Charity Support

Since the choir's formation back in 2003 its members have always been keen to support local and national charities in any way they can.  Each year at the choir's AGM the members make suggestions of possible charities to help during the next choir singing season and the final decision is then made by the committee.  During the last number of years specific fundraising events have been held to raise money for some well-established charities and others that have only been set up in recent years.

Aware NI

The charity being supported for the choir season 2023/2024 is AWARE NI

AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland - and the only charity working exclusively for people with depression and bipolar disorder.

AWARE has an established network of support groups across the country, which are run by its trained volunteers. Support groups welcome people with depression and bipolar disorder as well as carers for people with the illness. The charity also delivers Information Outreach sessions and volunteers attend community events to give more information about AWARE and its services.

AWARE delivers mental health and well-being programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. These programmes include a suite of Mood Matters programmes, Living Life to the Full, Mental Health First Aid and Mindfulness. The programmes take a preventative approach to mental ill-health and teach attendees techniques to look after their own mental health and well-being.

For more information on this charity follow this link - AWARE NI

Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke

OG CancerNI

Children’s Heartbeat Trust

The nominated charity for the 2019/2020 season was the Children’s Heartbeat Trust, which is based in Belfast. It has been working since 1984 to provide practical, emotional and financial support to children and young people living with heart disease, as well as their families. The charity offers youth and family support services, funds research and campaigns for the voice of children, young people and their families to be at the heart of all congenital cardiac services.

To find out more about this charity follow this link: Children’s Heartbeat Trust

Action Mental Health

The nominated charity for the 2018/2019 season was Action Mental Health. Founded in 1963, Action Mental Health (AMH) is a local charity which works to enhance the quality of life and the employability of people with mental health needs or a learning disability in Northern Ireland. The Clare Chorale held a charity concert in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings in March 2019 and all proceeds went to this local charity.

Air Ambulance NI

During the choir season of 2017/2018 the choir supported the new Air Ambulance NI charity based at the Maze near Lisburn.  In its first year of service the air ambulance has been called on almost every day and The Clare Chorale was proud to support it by holding a fundraising concert in the Great Hall of parliament buildings at Stormont in March 2018.  A cheque for £2,000 was presented to a representative from the Air Ambulance NI at a choir practice.

Macmillan Cancer Support

In the previous choir season the choir members had nominated Macmillan Cancer Support and a number of events were held to raise funds in support of this much needed charity.  It is a one that is very close to our choir president's heart as he has worked tirelessly over many many years to help the magnificent work it does across the UK.