By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO)
For the longest time, my life map had very clear, well-trodden paths. CEO of Harmless. Mum of five. Stick to what you know, what you’re good at, where you feel competent. That was the rulebook I lived by. Trying new things – especially things I might not excel at, or worse, things I might fail at – were honestly not on my radar. My comfort zone was, well, comfortable, and I wasn’t inclined to step outside it.
Then just under a year ago, I did something completely out of character. I joined a choir.
Perhaps it sounds simple, but for me it represented a huge leap. There’s a backstory, you see. I used to love singing when I was younger. But life intervened, as it so often does. A decade ago, the arrival of my twins was a traumatic experience, and the anaesthetic administered during delivery damaged my throat and vocal cords. My voice changed completely, becoming weak and unreliable. The very act of singing suddenly became tangled up with pain, loss, and difficult memories. So the thought of joining a choir – of putting that fragile voice out there – when it meant so much emotionally felt insurmountable.
But the quiet desire persisted. Eventually, I took a deep breath and tentatively reached out to Kari at The Liberty Singers. Her immediate warmth, steadfast encouragement and unwavering support, chipped away at my reservations. She made it feel possible.
And stepping into that first rehearsal? It was nerve-wracking, but also instantly welcoming. Life with five children means my attendance isn’t perfect, but whenever I walk through that door, the support is palpable. The Liberty Singers isn’t just a group of people who sing together, it’s a true community. People pull together, lift each other up, day in, day out. The sense of camaraderie, of shared purpose and genuine care, is simply amazing. It’s become a vital part of my life.
Now we are heading towards our big summer concert in July when we’ll be singing our hearts out at Nottingham’s stunning Albert Hall. For the choir, it’s a chance to showcase what we do. For me, it feels like so much more. Standing on that stage, singing with these incredible people in that beautiful venue is not just a performance. It feels like reclamation. It’s reclaiming a part of myself I thought was lost, overcoming a hurdle laced with fear and emotion. It’s stepping firmly out of that old comfort zone.
And then, the cherry on top. Completely independent of my involvement, the choir chose its two charities to support this year through fundraising efforts, including this concert. And one of them is Harmless. My Harmless. The organisation I lead and pour my energy into every single day.
Knowing that this concert, this deeply personal milestone for me, will not only raise spirits but also raise vital funds for the life-saving self harm prevention work Harmless does adds an extra layer of profound meaning I could never have engineered. It’s a beautiful collision of my worlds. (We are also incredibly proud to be supporting the vital work of Alzheimer’s UK).
This concert promises to be an afternoon to remember. The Liberty Singers are bringing together five choirs for the first time in this fabulous venue. We are community choirs filled with amateur singers who simply share a passion for sounding fantastic together. Forget any preconceptions – we sing pop songs from across the decades that you’ll know and love (it’s more The Killers than Kum-by-ah!). It’s all about harmony, joy, and that bit of magic we create when we sing together. It’s a family-friendly event designed to inspire, get your toes tapping, and maybe even have you singing along.
So, if you’re looking for an uplifting afternoon, a chance to hear some great music, and support two incredibly important causes, I’d be so grateful if you’d come along.
Event Details:
- What: Liberty Singers Summer Harmonies Concert
- When: Sunday, 20th July 2025, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Doors open at 2:00 PM for settling in and raffle tickets!)
- Where: The Albert Hall Nottingham, NG1 5AA
- Tickets: You can buy tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/libertysinger/1629967
(There are different prices for adults and children, with slightly reduced prices for side/back seats. Wheelchair spaces are available with a free carer ticket.)
Help us fill the Albert Hall with music and support. Come and share the joy, witness a little bit of personal reclamation, and contribute to the essential work of Harmless and Alzheimer’s UK.
We hope to see you there!
