This week’s Friday Feature highlights London Youth Choirs (LYC), a citywide community dedicated to raising voices and shaping lives through singing.

Through its network of choirs and free school programmes, LYC brings young people together to find their voice, develop their skills and experience the joy, connection and opportunities that singing can bring. With a strong commitment to inclusion, the organisation works to improve access for disadvantaged young people and change who appears on the concert stage.

Since 2012, more than 15,000 young people have sung with London Youth Choirs. With the support of funders and donors, 98% of places are subsidised and 25% are fully funded, including uniforms and travel, helping to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent participation.

With support from the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation, LYC delivers its Cambiata Choirs, supporting 150 young people aged 11–16 through a uniquely personal stage in their development.

When a young person’s voice begins to change, it can be unsettling, and for too many it becomes the moment they quietly step away from singing. The Cambiata Choirs exist to make sure that does not happen. Through Cambiata Girls and Cambiata Boys, young people are supported in a safe and inspiring environment where they can continue to sing, build confidence and remain part of a community.

For boys in particular, whose voices often go through a more dramatic transition, the choir is specially structured around four vocal stages, from treble through to baritone, so that every singer has a part written for where they are in their development. Alongside vocal training and musicianship, participants receive wellbeing support and financial assistance, helping every young person thrive.

Members of the choir share:

“I love it here, it’s super welcoming and has become like a family to me! Thank you so much for everything you do!”

“This choir has been the only continuity in my life for the last 6 years and has saved my life so many times and I love it. Best staff, happy place and singing together makes me happy.”

At the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation, we’re proud to support organisations like London Youth Choirs that create inclusive, supportive environments where young people can build confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.