By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO)
Following on from my last reflection about the unexpected joy of finding myself in a choir, I wanted to share a more vulnerable truth. There are weeks, even days, when the thought of leaving the house feels like scaling a mountain. When my mental health dips, my home, filled with the comforting chaos of my children, becomes my sanctuary. The last thing I want is to place myself in a situation where I feel exposed or fragile.
Tonight was one of those nights. Every cell in my body urged me to stay put. My head conjured a symphony of reasons: the kids needed me, I was tired, what if I felt overwhelmed? It takes a surprising amount of courage to override that internal resistance, to drop the children off, navigate the drive, find a parking spot, and slowly make my way up the stairs to the rehearsal room.
Even the small details can feel monumental when anxiety takes hold. The fleeting panic of not immediately seeing a familiar chair, the slight disorientation of not being in my usual spot – these become amplified, potent reasons to turn back. But I’ve learned, slowly, that this is often just the anxious hum, the static trying to disrupt the signal of something I truly value.
And the reward for pushing through that noise is always there. The warmth of the community, the collective breath as we begin to sing, the unspoken connection that weaves between us, the simple kindnesses exchanged – these are the anchors that hold me. And there’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing I’ve nudged myself forward, even when it felt impossible.
I look around the room at the other members of the choir. There are those who seem to inhabit their space with such ease, who sing with a confidence I often envy, who radiate a self-assured joy. Being in their company is both humbling and inspiring. It’s a privilege to be surrounded by individuals who feel safe enough to be their authentic selves and to come together in this way.
Just as I often find it difficult to show up physically when my mental health is fragile, I also don’t readily share my inner world. Vulnerability can feel like a heavy cloak. But as it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, I feel a particular pull to articulate these experiences. It strikes me that those of us who have found the words to describe our struggles have a responsibility to share them. To illuminate the path for those who haven’t yet felt safe enough to tell their own stories.
Because just like those in the choir who sing with such soul and courage help me to find my own small voice within the harmony, those who openly share their truths about mental health create a space of safety and understanding for others to do the same. Their bravery becomes a beacon, whispering, ‘You are not alone. It is okay to speak.’
Of course, I’m not naive enough to think that everyone in that room is without their own struggles and vulnerabilities. We all carry our burdens, seen and unseen. But there’s something profoundly beautiful about being lifted by the collective spirit, by the diverse lives and voices of the women and men around me. Tonight, I am deeply grateful that I left the house, and I am reminded of the power of sharing, in song and in story.
For so long, my life felt mapped out, the paths well-defined. CEO. Mother. Stick to what you know. Joining the choir was a deliberate step off that familiar terrain, a tentative venture into the unknown. And while some nights the journey to that rehearsal room feels arduous, the harmony I find within those walls, and the quiet triumph of simply showing up and, when I can, speaking my truth, is a melody worth fighting for.
Our upcoming summer concert at the Albert Hall feels like another step on this journey. It’s a chance to share the joy we create together, but for me, it’s also a continued act of courage, a testament to the power of community and the importance of moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain, and finding our voice, in whatever way we can. I hope you’ll join us.
Event Details:
What: Liberty Singers Summer Harmonies Concert
When: Sunday, 20th July 2025, 2.30pm – 5pm (Doors open at 2pm for settling in and raffle tickets!)
Where: The Albert Hall Nottingham, NG1 5AA
Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/libertysinger/1629967
