The Kingdom Choir, best known for their performance of Stand By Me at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, partnered with the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) and Hospital Rooms to deliver a gospel music project at Goodmayes Hospital.
Working under the direction of the choir’s founder and conductor, Karen Gibson, staff trained in gospel singing over several weeks before performing publicly at Whitechapel Gallery in London.
Ms Gibson said: “We were invited to join this interesting project which was very much in line with our hearts about wholeness, peace, and wellness through singing.
“That’s us, that’s what we are about.
“I feel like we’ve been building something together with the choir and the team, it’s been great.”
Leah Chitembwe, a family liaison officer at Goodmayes Hospital, said the sessions had a personal impact.
She said: “This project was a wonderful opportunity for staff and involvement representatives to share moments of joy through singing and dancing.
“Hospital Rooms and Kingdom Choir gave us that mid-week boost we all needed, it was truly therapeutic.
“Each session ended with smiles and joyful hearts, and every song carried a meaningful message.
“Personally, the timing couldn’t have been better.
“These Thursdays became a source of comfort during my grieving journey after losing my dad, giving me courage and connection.”
The project is part of NELFT’s two-year partnership with Hospital Rooms, which aims to improve mental health environments through art and creativity.
Tim A Shaw, co-founder of Hospital Rooms, said the project highlighted the impact of creative expression.
He said: “Working with The Kingdom Choir and NHS staff at Goodmayes Hospital has shown how powerful it can be when people are given the space to express themselves creatively.
“We have loved seeing and hearing the people in the choir put themselves out there and then perform so brilliantly in front of hundreds of people, and to feel part of something collective.”
A short film documenting the choir project will be displayed permanently at Goodmayes Hospital for staff, patients, and visitors to experience.
