Shelton Abbey is a prison just outside of Arklow town with a population of 121 male residents.  As the Chief Officer of the prison, I asked the men here to form a choir for Christmas in August.  Currently, we have 20 members in the choir.  Very few of these men would have ever sang in public or as a group but they have put their heart and souls into coming to a weekly evening practice in the prison to learn Christmas carols so that they can perform a set of classics for their families who they can’t be with for Christmas.  This is an especially tough time of the year for the men and their families who they are separated from.  Bringing the group of men together in weekly singing practice has been transformative for their mental health and the power of music to bring people together in a shared goal and comradery. The group wanted to use their commitment to raise awareness for a charity close to them and chose Focus Ireland.  Many of the men have experienced homelessness, are returning to homelessness on release or have friends or relations experiencing homelessness.  We recorded the song we are entering in the competition in an effort to raise money for the charity. The choir director is Anita Mahon