Rainbow Voices: Frequently Asked Questions
In-Person
We are committed to making our in-person sessions as safe as possible. We understand that everyone feels differently and everyone has different comfort zones. Our sessions will follow COVID-secure procedures and will be delivered in line with current Government guidance. The following measures will usually be in place, although maybe adapted slightly for different venues:
- Testing is required in order to attend (see below)
- Outdoors only
- 1m+ social distancing whilst singing & socialising
- Masks to be worn on arrival and when using toilets
- Masks not required during singing sessions, but you can still choose to wear a mask at any time
- Singing limited to 60-90 minutes
- ELBOWS NOT HUGS in order to stay COVID-secure and prevent some singers from feeling anxious, we ask that no singers hug before, during or after the singing and instead suggest an elbow bump. We know that this may be hard for some, but for others, it will bring peace of mind that they won't have to feel awkward about stating their personal boundaries or experience peer pressure if they are not yet ready. If you really want to hug your singing pal, please do this outside of the session.
TESTING REQUIREMENTS
We are asking all singers to have taken a COVID test before attending. We are consulting our singers about whether testing will be required for future sessions. Lateral flow tests (swabbing the mouth & nose) are available for FREE to people who do not have symptoms. They are quick and easy and provide a result within 30 minutes. You can pick up FREE tests from most pharmacies or order from the Government website here. If you don't have access to a test kit - please let us know and we will provide a FREE test kit. We will ask you to maintain 2m social distancing and wear your mask for 30 minutes until your result is confirmed.
YOU DO NOT NEED to provide evidence of your test result. On arrival, we will ask if you have any COVID symptoms and if you've had a recent negative test (even if you haven't spent time outside your household bubble). We recommend that you make sure you test at least a few hours before singing as the swab can slightly irritate the mouth and nose. We trust our singing community and know that you understand why we are trying to provide the best possible safety for our singers. Whilst some of you are already testing regularly, we know that for others, testing may seem like an inconvenience and we really appreciate you making the effort to get tested - a massive THANK YOU in advance!
Rainbow Voices is supported by funding from Durham Area Action Partnership and Sunderland City Council. This funding helps us to offer our activities for FREE in the Coalfields areas of Sunderland and areas around Durham City.
You will find information about each of our confirmed venues in the 'Venues' section of this page.
Making creativity accessible is one of the guiding principles of The Singing Elf. We select venues that are physically accessible, and will let everyone know any important accessibility information in advance of a session.
The venues we use are all different, and you will find detailed information about the accessibility of each one in the venues section of this page, and on the information about each event.
If you have a particular accessibility need or concern, please contact us to let us know and we will do everything we can to help. You can call us on 0191 372 1682, or email us.
Our sessions are open to everyone. Some of our sessions are aimed at adults, and some are aimed at families - we make this clear for each event on the What's On page.
Because of COVID regulations, we need to limit the capacity for our events. For this reason, advance booking is recommended. In some venues, booking may be essential - this will be clearly indicated on the What's On page.
Online
For a live online session, you can log on from any location via any mobile device, laptop or computer with an internet connection. It’s quick & easy to download the free Zoom app we will be using.
Don’t worry if you’re not very techie - we’ll provide full instructions and guide you through the process. To take part, you just need to be able to hear sound from your device, a camera to be seen and microphone to be heard. If you’re using a mobile device or laptop these are often built-in features. Find full instructions of how to use Zoom here.
No. Because of 'latency', which is the time lag caused by each person having a slightly different internet speed, it is not possible for people to sing together online. Also, Zoom only allows a limited number of people on the call to be heard at any one time.
During the singing sections of the online sessions, you will be on mute, meaning that no one will hear you. You will be able to hear either the person leading the session or the recording of the music.
It is always nice to see everyone on the sessions, but we understand that being on-screen is not for everyone. You can turn your camera off by clicking or tapping on 'Stop Video'.
However, we do ask that you let us know that you can see and hear everything at the start of the session, so that we know that you have chosen to be off-screen, rather than having a technical difficulty.
No, to access our online sessions, you will need the Zoom link. This is sent to you by email after you book a ticket using our What's On page.
Singing
This summer is packed full of singing sessions, both in-person and online. For a full list of sessions, visit our What's On page.
Our sessions are supported via funding which allows us to run a 'Pay as you can' model with a minimum donation of £1 per session. If this would be a financial barrier to you, please get in touch.
Our singing sessions are open to everyone. You do not need to be an experienced singer or be able to read music to take part, just willing to 'give it a go'. Everyone will receive a warm welcome.
Most of our singing events are aimed at adults, although some are aimed at families. This will be clearly indicated on each event when you book.
Making singing accessible is one of the guiding principles of The Singing Elf. We select venues that are physically accessible, and will let everyone know any important accessibility information in advance of a session.
All of our singing sessions are fun and friendly, aimed at supporting emotional and mental wellbeing. Each session includes interactive social time, as well as a physically active warm-up and a mix of upbeat, feel-good songs. You'll probably recognise some of the songs we do, and some will be new to you. We provide lyric sheets for everyone, and teach any new songs at a pace that everyone can enjoy.
For our online singing sessions, you will need to book in advance in order to have the Zoom link sent to you.
For our in-person events, you will need to book in advance. This is because COVID regulations about singing have strict limits, which we need to adhere to.
Crafts Packs
Our Rainbow Craft Packs are available for free to community groups located within our project areas and meet funding criteria. Local groups, clubs, societies, churches, community venues, holiday activity providers, care homes and charities working with those most affected by the pandemic are invited to sign up to receive packs on our website.
Our Rainbow Craft Envelopes contain the materials for 6 bright and colourful creative activities (plus instructions) and will fit through your letterbox. Due to the impact of COVID -19 on our suppliers and deliveries, some contents of the pack may vary slightly from what is shown in the images.
Activities include:
- Greetings Card
- Paper Spinners
- Paper Hearts
- 3D Rainbow
- Hot Air Balloon Drops
- Paper Chain
Contents include the following craft materials:
Greetings Card & Envelope | Post Card | Coloured Paper | Brown Card | Plastic Needle | Thread | Paper Clips | Colouring Sheet | Template Sheet | Time Capsule | Project Info | Window Flyer | Instruction Sheets
You will also need some glue, colouring pencils and scissors.
For more information about our Craft Envelopes, click here.
The priorities for our funding is slightly different in each area.
In County Durham, our packs are aimed at people who have been affected by COVID in some way. This includes, for example, people or families who have had to isolate, who are vulnerable to feeling isolated or lonely, have had COVID or have Long COVID or may have had a change in their financial circumstances as a result of COVID. Packs are available through community groups and organisations.
In Sunderland, our packs are available to anyone living in the Coalfields area.
If you live in our funded areas, and are eligible for a pack, our packs are FREE.
Our funded areas are:
Zone 1: Sunderland Coalfields, including Shiney Row, Houghton, Copt Hill and Hetton.
Zone 2: West Rainton, Pittington, Sherburn and Shadforth
Zone 3: Belmont, Carville and Gilesgate
Zone 4: Durham City
Zone 5: Framwellgate Moor, Newton Hall, Pity Me and Brasside
Zone 6: Neville's Cross and Aylkey Heads
You will find information about each of our confirmed venues in the 'Venues' section of this page.
If you live outside of these areas, or are not eligible for a pack, you can purchase them here.
Crafts Events
We are offering lots of in-person craft sessions this summer. For a full list of sessions, visit our What's On page.
Our sessions are FREE, although you can choose to donate to The Singing Elf if you wish to.
Our craft sessions are open to family groups.
Making creativity accessible is one of the guiding principles of The Singing Elf. We select venues that are physically accessible, and will let everyone know any important accessibility information in advance of a session.
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Because of COVID regulations, we need to limit the capacity of some of our craft events. For this reason, advance booking is recommended. In some venues, booking may be essential - this will be clearly indicated on the What's On page.
Venues
ACCESSIBILITY
The Singing Elf is committed to ensuring that all of our sessions are as accessible and inclusive as possible. Many of our singers have chronic health conditions, disabilities or mobility issues and we always try to take everyone's needs into account. Measures at this session include:
- Free, street parking is available directly outside the venue
- The singing area is a short walk from the entrance (approx. 50m)
- Accessible toilets are available indoors (masks must be worn)
- We will provide outdoor seating for all singers
- Gazebos will offer shelter and shade when needed
- The sessions is limited to 1 hour of singing to combat fatigue or vocal strain outdoors
- Our volunteers will be on hand to support anyone feeling anxious or experiencing an emotional response to singing back in-person. However you feel, you are welcome - tears of joy, sadness or laughter are to be expected. Please get in touch to chat about other ways in which we can help make our sessions accessible to you.
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Address: ELCAP, Brick Garth, Easington Lane, Houghton le Spring, DH5 0LE
Please note that the Google Marker is in the wrong place! See details below.
Directions: ECLAP is located on Brick Garth, approx. 100 yards from the main traffic light junction where Murton Lane meets the A182 which is the main road running through Easington Lane high street.
Community Garden Entrance: the outdoor gate to the garden is to the left of the main entrance (pictured below) and right of the community hall
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Address: Philadelphia Cricket & Community Club, Bunker Hill Ground, Back of Shop Row, Philadelphia, Houghton le Spring. DH4 4JE
ACCESSIBILITY
The Singing Elf is committed to ensuring that all of our sessions are as accessible and inclusive as possible. Many of our singers have chronic health conditions, disabilities or mobility issues and we always try to take everyone's needs into account. Measures at this session include:
- Free, on-site parking is available inside the venue grounds
- The singing area is a short walk from the entrance (approx. 10m)
- Accessible toilets are available indoors (masks must be worn)
- We will provide outdoor seating for all singers
- Our volunteers will be on hand to support anyone feeling anxious or experiencing an emotional response to singing back in-person. However you feel, you are welcome - tears of joy, sadness or laughter are to be expected. Please get in touch to chat about other ways in which we can help make our sessions accessible to you.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Singing Elf is committed to ensuring that all of our sessions are as accessible and inclusive as possible. Many of our singers have chronic health conditions, disabilities or mobility issues and we always try to take everyone's needs into account. Measures at this session include:
-
- Free, on-site parking is available inside the venue grounds
- The outdoor area is a short walk from the entrance (approx. 10m)
- Accessible toilets are available indoors (masks must be worn)
- We will provide outdoor seating for all participants
- Gazebos will offer shelter and shade when needed
- The singing part of our sessions is limited to 60 - 90 minutes of singing to combat fatigue or vocal strain outdoors
- Our volunteers will be on hand to support anyone feeling anxious or experiencing an emotional response to singing back in-person. However you feel, you are welcome - tears of joy, sadness or laughter are to be expected. Please get in touch to chat about other ways in which we can help make our sessions accessible to you.
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Address: Pittington Village Hall, Cross Roads, High Pittington, DH6 1AN
Directions: Pittington Village Hall is located on the Cross Roads of Coalford Lane / Newby Lane and Hallgarth Lane, in the centre of Pittington. It is accessed through green gates situated immediately on the crossroads. Please be careful when pulling out from the gates onto the crossroads as traffic could approach from all sides.
The Singing Elf Ltd, Trading as The Singing Elf Social Enterprise, Company No. 12246373.
Registered Office: The Old Rectory, The Broadway, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 4BB, United Kingdom