Logos House residents and staff form festive choir for Christmas Concert

In a dining room usually filled with the quiet focus of mealtimes, a new sound has been filling the air at The Salvation Army’s Logos House Lifehouse: the sound of voices raised in song. What began as a simple idea for a Christmas carol performance has blossomed into a weekly singing group, uniting residents and staff in preparation for a special festive concert. 

The group was formed a month ago by a member of staff who saw an opportunity to build community and festive spirit. Open to all 93 residents and the team that supports them, the weekly rehearsals quickly revealed a shared enthusiasm that went beyond traditional carols. 

Logos House Lifehouse (Hostel) in Bristol is a supported housing service for people experiencing homelessness. Think of a "Lifehouse" as more than just a roof over someone's head. It's a place that offers a stable home alongside dedicated support, helping people to rebuild their lives, develop new skills, and regain their independence. 

Richard Sayer, Service Manager at Logos House says music is a universal language that has unlocked excitement and joy among the diverse community at the centre. 

The inaugural Christmas performance will be held on the evening of Thursday, 18th December, in the Lifehouse’s dining room. Following the evening meal, the space will be transformed into an inclusive performance venue. Using karaoke backing tracks to make participation easy, the event will feature a core group from the rehearsals while warmly encouraging anyone present to join in and sing along. 

“It’s really to make it as inclusive and accessible as possible. It’s not about high professionalism; it’s about the high joy factor. This is for our community, to come together and have a really good time.” 

The singing group is a recent example of how Logos House uses the arts—from visual art and poetry to music—as a tool for connection and expression. The service supports individuals experiencing homelessness who have a high need for care, focusing on a strengths-based approach that looks beyond crisis to rediscover a person’s skills and passions. 

This belief in music's unifying power is embodied in the story of one resident – a gifted pianist. A man in his fifties, who battles alcohol dependency. He regularly plays in the Lifehouse's chapel, filling the space with beautifully improvised pieces or music recalled from memory.  

“He's an example of someone who has hidden depths and hidden strengths that we always try and encourage. His story is a poignant reminder that within every individual lies unique talent and resilience, and that creative expression can be a powerful key to unlocking it.” 

The Logos House Christmas Concert will be a private event for residents, staff, and invited guests, a moment of shared celebration and warmth during a season that can be challenging for many. 

Logos House operates with a commitment to harm reduction at the core of its programmes. This pragmatic and compassionate approach focuses on mitigating the risks associated with behaviours such as substance use, prioritising the safety, health, and dignity of every individual as a fundamental step in their journey towards stability and wellbeing. To learn more about Logos House and donate towards their efforts, visit their website Logos House Lifehouse | The Salvation Army.