Cadence: A Symphony of Compassion and Community

What started as a casual gathering for “a glass of bubbly and a bit of a sing-song” blossomed into a heartfelt mission to bring light to others’ lives.

“We wanted to do something for the greater good of the community that we live in,” reflects Helen Steel. “To make somebody else’s life a bit better, even if it’s just putting a smile on somebody’s face.”

By the end of August, Cadence was born - a group of friends united by a love of music and a shared desire to make a difference.

Their first focus became Julia’s House, a local children’s hospice providing essential care for children with life-limiting conditions and support for their families.

“Julia’s House is running on a deficit,” Helen explains. “They provide vital care, so it’s essential that they’re able to maintain that level of support and continue the good work they do.”

For the members of Cadence, the charity holds a deeply personal significance. Emma Perkins shares, “I had a friend who unfortunately passed away under the care of Julia’s House. Honestly, the things they did for him - he got to go to Disneyland and fulfil all of his dreams. Even though he had a short life, he had the most amazing life. That’s what Julia’s House is there for, and so without them, then these children wouldn’t have that.”

For Lianne Anderson, the cause is personal. “My late mother-in-law always used to donate to them. It was her favourite charity,” she shares.

The group’s commitment is unwavering, as Helen emphasises, “100% of the profits are going to Julia’s House.”

Surrounded by melodies and memories. Helen said, “With all of our lives and the backgrounds we have, this just seemed like the perfect charity for us. We wanted to make it really special.”

The members of Cadence are ambitious about their mission. “We’re aiming for the stars with it,” Lianne says. “We don’t want it to stay a little local thing; we want it to take off.”

Their dream was born out of a simple yet powerful idea. “We love to sing and always had this idea of using our voices for the greater good,” Lianne explains. “Naturally over the summer, Cadence formed organically. “We all had this shared dream of doing something for charity rather than ourselves.”

Cadence is more than just a singing group, it’s a family. Julia Woodward recalls her first rehearsal, “The welcome I received when I walked in. I was just immediately enveloped; it was like a warm hug.”

As they reminisce, their connection feels like a perfect harmony. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in a group of people where I have felt so totally and utterly at peace and welcomed,” Julia shares warmly.

Emma agrees, adding, “Personalities just attract personalities, and you end up with everyone on the same page.” Helen highlights the depth of their connection, “I know these guys have my back, whether it’s music-related or not. I know that I’ve got that probably for the rest of my days.”

This camaraderie has boosted the members’ confidence. “It’s such a loving and supportive group,” Helen says. “Every person in Cadence would tell you their confidence in singing has grown massively. I’m singing things I never thought I could sing.”

Emma, too, has stepped out of her comfort zone. “I’d never sing in front of anyone unless I’m in a group of people and I’m taking on my first solo part. You’ve got the support of environment and it’s something that you actively feel so passionate about that you want to do.”

The diversity of Cadence adds to its charm. “Our youngest member is in her early twenties,” Lianne notes. Their repertoire is as varied as their members, ranging from emotional ballads to cheerful routines. “We even did a Christmas song with a clapping routine that was visually and vocally uplifting,” Lianne says, smiling. “There’s some country-western in there too.”

Their rehearsals, held on Monday nights at a music studio fondly called “The Den,” have become a sanctuary. “Mondays are the highlight of the week,” Lianne shares. “You leave your troubles at the studio door.”

Even their name carries significance. “We wanted a pretty word that reflected what we were doing,” Lianne explains. “Cadence ties in beautifully with rhythm, tone, and poetry. Plus, it has the letters ‘den’, which connects to our studio.”

The heart of Cadence lies in their mission to support Julia’s House. “We want to raise awareness for what they’re doing,” Lianne says. “Whether it’s volunteering, visiting their charity shops, or donating directly, there are many ways to help.”

The group dreams of sparking a nationwide movement. “It would be amazing to have Cadence collectives all over the UK,” Helen envisions. “Local communities raising funds for local charities to make people smile.”  

Julia highlights the challenges local charities face. “They get such limited funding, it’s incredible they’re able to keep going.”

Julia’s House, for instance, receives just 8% of its income from the government, which is one of the lowest contributions to a hospice in the country. “It’s just incredible they’re even able to keep going,” Helen says passionately.

Her voice softens yet remains resolute as she adds, “There’s always something you can do to make someone’s day better.”

Emma reflects on the joy their work brings. “From singing together, and then spreading that joy to the local community by giving them music to listen to and raising money for charities.”

With their voices united and their hearts set on making a difference. Cadence is ready to change lives, one song at a time.