Charity Campaign

Atalented young woman from Stone has landed astarring role in anew campaign which has been launched by acharity which uses the power of live music to enhance the lives of learning disabledpeople.

The campaign, which has beenlaunched by Electric Umbrella recently,iscalled ‘Plug In’ and encourages everyone across the country to join their community.

The Hertfordshire based charity Electric Umbrella was set up five years ago by Mel Boda and Tom Billington to provide aplatform for learning disabledpeople to enjoy live music, and in doing so challenge perceptions.The charityorganises gigs, operatas, musicals and even festivals.

Aspokesman for Electric Umbrella said: “Members regularly say they feel left behind by society and placedon the sidelines. “Sadly, many of them have also experienceddiscrimination and say they could achieve far more than what’sexpected of them, if given the right opportunities. “During the pandemic we launched online sessions bringing fun interactive shows, singalongs, oftenwithinspiring guests, for our hundreds of members, many of whom relied on thesesocial and creative sessions to getthem through this difficult time. “Guests have included celebrities Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Toyah Willcox, Andrew Self, Dan Gillespie Sellsfrom The Feeling and Tony Hadley –the two latteralso sang on the charity’s Christmas single The Best Christmas (In Lockdown).”

Amy Barrett, aged 34 from Stone, has ararechromosome abnormality Jacobsen Syndrome, in which aportion of the 11th chromosome is missing. It affects about one in every 100,000people.

Amy appears in afilm for this campaign with her housemates Dave and Lumi who also love Electric Umbrella and often join the sessions.

Amy said: “When Iwas young mum and dad told me that adoctorsaidI’d never walk or talk and look at me now, they are so proud of me for what I’ve achieved. “I know people who don’t speak or they are in wheelchairs and some people barge into them or don’t leave the door open for them. We all need to respect one another. We have a right to be here and not to be put in acorner. “I have found something that Ilove with Electric Umbrella and my confidence has grown so much. It is a wonderful organisation and makes me feelhappy and warm and fuzzy inside.”

During lockdown over 1,500 people joined the Electric Umbrella community, and they have huge ambitions to grow that number with ablend of digital first and face to face sessions planned in the months ahead.

Electric Umbrella Creative Director and co-founder Tom Billington said: “We believe our members can do anything they want and be anyone they want to be and we encourage them every step of the way. “We’d love to see aworld where people are no longer defined by their disability but they are recognised for their incredible talents. “Our members are so fullof energy and embrace lifewith such enthusiasm. Ibelieve if more people had these qualities the world would be abetter place. “When the pandemic started we found new ways to bring music to ourmembers by starting online sessions and we discovered this is abrilliant way to reach so many more people. “We’ve created this amazing community online which is why we have launchedthis campaign Plug In to encourage others to join Electric Umbrella.”

Mel Boda, Electric Umbrella’s chief executive and co-founder added: “We’re inviting people to plug in, switchon, andget ready for the ride of their life with this campaign. Everything has been co-produced with our ambassadors, of which Amy has beenanabsolute superstar. “We want everyone to experience the joy and power of music and see how it brings people together from all walks of life. “Best of all, it’s completely free to join Electric Umbrella, and you don’t need any referral from your local authority.”

For more information go online to: electricumbrella.co.uk