Singing as one – Graeme's story
22 June 2026
When Graeme became overwhelmed by his stressful job and family caring responsibilities he had to take time off work. He felt lost and alone. But with his friend's encouragement he attended a community choir that made him feel like part of something again.
62-year-old Graeme was under a lot of pressure at his demanding job. He was putting in long hours and supporting his disabled son when he got home. When two members of his family received cancer diagnoses, he struggled to cope.
Graeme had to take several months off work. During this time his friend encouraged him to join a local choir that was part of The Pals Programme in Stockton-on-Tees.
Finding harmony
At first Graeme was nervous in this new environment. But when they started to sing everything changed. He immediately felt less alone.
"I started going every week and very quickly became involved in the different activities. It's so easy to get wrapped up in your own misery and the drudgery of everyday life, but the choir pulled me out of that."
Graeme, service user
Graeme met new people and made new friends. Despite their different backgrounds and interests they found common ground through a shared passion.
How National Lottery Funding has supported the Pals Programme
With support from National Lottery funding, The Pals Programme provides wellbeing activities for men from all communities. It brings them together, providing mutual support.
As well as the choir their activities include:
days out
cooking classes
local walks
gardening
Doing things like gardening, something completely outside my normal world, and meeting these men with whom I probably would never have crossed paths, was incredibly valuable. We have such different lives, yet we are all husbands, fathers, workers and share a love of our community and a common set of values.
Graeme - service user
If you have an idea for a project that helps bring people and communities together check our funding pages.