‘Care Home Idols’ trophy presented to teenage singer
Press Release: Thursday March 26, 2015
A teenage singer with a visual impairment accepted the ‘Care Home Idols 2014’ trophy on behalf of Forward Vision, to celebrate their success in a UK wide music competition.
18 year old Amanda Roberts led the singing in a rendition of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, filmed during a December music workshop at Forward Vision, a Royal Blind run service which provides support for 17-25 year olds with a visual impairment and other disabilities. Despite being a late entry in the year-long ‘Care Home Idols’ contest, the video managed to secure third place in the public vote.
Amanda’s vocals were ably backed by lively percussion from Michael Martin, Christopher Donovan, Alex Harpin and all the young adults at Forward Vision, with music specialist Karl Macrae on keyboards.
Amanda is a former Royal Blind School pupil who enjoys respite care once a week at Forward Vision. As well as being a talented singer, she is also a keen actress, musician and composer who takes regular piano lessons.
Forward Vision Care Services Manager, Julie Jamieson, said:-
“Amanda has a lovely voice and I’m really pleased this video gave her a chance to shine!
“Music-making is a really important part of what we do here at Forward Vision. It’s a great form of communication which gets everyone involved. All the young adults had a lot of fun making the film. As you can see they did a brilliant job!
“I’m delighted that lots of people voted for our young adults - they really deserve this award!”
Amanda added:-
“Being a finalist was like being in the X factor. It’s cool to sing, I like it. I enjoyed making the video and working with other people”
ENDS
Amanda is pictured with parents Willie and Clare Roberts. More photos, or a higher resolution version, available on request
For further information please contact:
Davina Shiell, Marketing and Fundraising Manager
Tel: 0131 222 2794, Mob: 07713 987797
Notes to Editors
• The ‘Care Home Idols’ music competition is run by carehome.co.uk and is open to supported accommodation across the UK
• The Forward Vision entry for 2014 can be viewed here: http://www.carehome.co.uk/idol/idol.cfm/id/173
Royal Blind is a registered charity that runs services for blind and visually impaired people throughout the UK. We run the following services:
- The Royal Blind School offers the highest quality of education and care to meet the needs of young people with a visual impairment. Our campus include pre-school, primary and secondary facilities supporting pupils with additional support needs.
- Braeside House is our home that provides first class services and facilities for older people who are blind or visually impaired, offering both residential and nursing care in purpose built premises.
- The Scottish Braille Press is a leading provider of high quality alternative formats. The press has years of experience, backed up with continuing investment in technology and skills to ensure we can supply the best that is available for our customer needs.
- Forward Vision offers young adults aged 17-25 who have a visual impairment disability, care and support with person centred focus on strengths and abilities, encouraging greater independence.
- Kidscene offers after school care to children attending the Royal Blind School and local schools. The club aims to include a safe, secure and relaxed environment for the children in our care. We endeavour to provide an atmosphere and activities similar to those found within the home
Our sister charity Scottish War Blinded provides an outreach service and day centre facilities for veterans with a visual impairment. Our vision at Royal Blind is to make a significant contribution to building a community in which blind and partially sighted people, including those who also have other disabilities, are fully included and lead fulfilling lives. www.royalblind.org
