The 1000 instruments challenge: Hayleigh's story

Oct 31, 2022


The 1000 instruments challenge is back, and we need you to help us smash our target once again.

Last years 1000 instruments challenge provided us with many amazing instruments to repair, reimagine and of course, play! This year, we're asking for donations once again, as we look to continue fixing and selling instruments on our online store and in our wonderful emporium.


Your donations help us create amazing music experiences with learning disabled people. In May of this year, we opened the doors to our emporium, a space for our members to express themselves and enjoy the wonderful world of Electric Umbrella, while gaining valuable skills and life experiences.


Long-time member Hayleigh, 29, particularly enjoys customer service, working closely with staff and her friends to welcome guests, demonstrate products and process sales, she said:


“The Emporium is like my second home. It’s a brilliant place, if you’re feeling sad you can come in and you will leave feeling happy.”


Last year donated instruments made a huge difference us, as we raised an enormous £25,000 enabling us to deliver an additional 1,572 hours of work based activity at the Emporium. But now we have a problem - we are running out of instruments!

Your unwanted instruments can be dropped off at the Emporium Monday - Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Alternatively, they can be sent for free from your local post office.

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We were delighted to recently recognise Paul Gershlick, Partner at VWV Law Firm in Watford, with our Corporate Ambassador Award . Paul first introduced Electric Umbrella to VWV and their wider network after inviting us to perform online at their 2020 PING conference. Since then, a real friendship was struck and Paul, along with his team at VWV Watford, have gone above and beyond to support Electric Umbrella. Whether it’s having us return to perform at future conferences, supporting us with in-office charity events and lunches, or attending our shows, Paul and the VWV Watford team have bought into the Electric Umbrella way. In addition to VWV Watford making Electric Umbrella their office charity of the year for two years running, Paul personally volunteers on a weekly basis at our Big Yellow Choir, where he was presented with his award by our CEO Mel and choir member Ali, earlier this month.
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