At The Croissant of Inequality, our community café in Kensington, we run a much-loved weekly Special Needs Karaoke session every Wednesday daytime. It has quickly become one of the happiest parts of our week, a safe, joyful space where adults with disabilities, additional learning needs, and mental health challenges can sing, socialise, build confidence, and feel celebrated. We want to expand and enhance this project so it can reach even more people and offer a truly awesome experience.
Many of our regulars face significant isolation and rarely have opportunities to take part in fun, accessible activities. Karaoke might seem simple, but for our group it is transformative: it encourages communication, supports emotional expression, builds friendships, and gives people a chance to shine in a community that fully embraces them.
We’re applying for £500 to create “The Croissant karaoke Club”, an improved version of our Wednesday sessions with:
Better equipment (microphones, props)
A small PA upgrade to make vocals clearer for those with hearing difficulties
Lyric sheets in accessible formats
Themed weeks to spark imagination (Disney, musicals, 80s classics, etc.)
Refreshments so everyone feels welcomed and included
Every penny will directly enhance the experience for participants
Kensington is one of Liverpool’s most deprived areas, and this project offers a rare opportunity for people with additional needs to participate in something fun, expressive, and confidence-building. The café is already a trusted environment, meaning those who would struggle in mainstream settings feel safe enough to join in.
This project is imaginative, unusual, and deeply joyful. It takes our already-loved karaoke sessions and turns them into a supportive, confidence-boosting weekly event that brings energy, laughter, and belonging to people who need it most.