Residents in care home show they have a talent for singing 

L&Q Living residents sang their hearts out to songs by Neil Diamond, Westlife and Beyonce at an X-Factor-style contest at Coxley House. The scheme’s lounge area was transformed into the global franchise’s studio for the day, with residents performing on a stage with black curtains and the famous X factor sign.

Audience members from various L&Q Living schemes were up on their feet singing and dancing. Ten singers took the mike to show off their vocal skills.

A contestant, Dane Richards (36), has lived at Foundry Mews for five years at an L&Q Living supported living scheme in Walthamstow. He attends weekly art sessions to pursue his passion for music.

He hit all the right notes during his winning performance of self-wrote rap, ‘Dance Floor’. Dane Richards said, “I was very happy to perform and overwhelmed with the response I got from the judges.”

For runner-up Shahjahan Ali (62), music reminds him of his life before the care home – a memory made special by his family’s attendance. Ali said, “I love singing and it meant a lot that my family could be here to see me win a prize.”

Contestants took part in rehearsals with professional musicians, Amber and Harvey, in the lead-up to the competition. Amber and Harvey led music sessions every fortnight at Coxley House and other L&Q Living schemes since 2017.

Senior management team members Debbie Cook and Trudi Tayeg from L&Q Living were part of the judging panel.


Ferdous Khanam, Scheme Manager at Coxley House, said:

“There was a real buzz at Coxley Houses during the show. Seeing the residents’ faces as they enjoyed the singing was priceless, and it was fabulous to see family members sharing in the fun too.”