Liverpool’s YMCA Together is releasing a song to celebrate Eurovision being held in the city, whilst highlighting the services they provide for those facing social issues in the region.
In line with the award-winning charity’s values, aims and ethos, the project will see team members release a song written about their Dutch Farm site to mark the major musical event, whilst also featuring the challenges that people in the area face.
The song focuses attention on the support that YMCA Together provides to people through the farm, its hostels and refuges and outreach services.
Chief Executive Ellie McNeil said:
“As the city is celebrating Eurovision, it is also important to note the stark reality for people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse and other challenges during this time. Our song aims to raise awareness about the services we can offer here at YMCA Together, and we are so proud that our song was written, recorded and produced by real people in our services.
“Many of those who have difficult times in their lives often really benefit from using arts and creative skills to process all that has happened to them. By sharing the reality of the challenges some in our community face, we hope to change hearts and minds. We hope people will feel more compassion towards those who are experiencing social challenges and be aware of what large events like this might mean for some in the city.”
The song also highlights the challenges many in Ukraine faced as a result of the war. The song aims to be a musical reminder of the support on offer, whilst also celebrating Eurovision being held in Liverpool, who are hosting it on behalf of Ukraine.
Dutch Farm is a small urban farm based on disused industrial land in Garston, Liverpool and provides a therapeutic environment that engages service users in meaningful activity, allowing for the expansion of skills as well as the production of organic vegetables and the development of creative outlets.
Ellie added:
“YMCA Together is a local charity and our presence has been in the city for 177 years. We have been supporting people experiencing poverty, worklessness and other social challenges for over a century. Today, we provide over 400 units of accommodation, supporting people experiencing domestic abuse, drug and alcohol issues, homelessness and poor mental health. We are an organisation that is rooted in working alongside the city’s least heard citizens.
“Eurovision coming to the city is amazing, it provides hope and opportunity, whilst also providing us with a platform on which we are able to advocate for those in our community who need it most.”
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