![Umbrella academy](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/10290/520811/5f645dfd17188/Umbrella-academy.jpg)
A colourful bunch of inspiring, innovative and inclusive musicians are helping to change perceptions of disability through their ‘yellow blood’.
It was five years ago that Electric Umbrella was established as a charity in south-west Hertfordshire, using music to enrich and empower the lives of people with learning disabilities. But the story begins earlier, in 2013, when musician Tom Billington and art therapist Melanie Boda recognised a lack of opportunity for adults with learning disabilities to express who they really are. Drawing on their extensive experience of community arts, the professional world of entertainment and supporting disabled adults, the project grew organically from weekly workshops and small shows, raising small amounts of money through crowdfunding campaigns and busking.
But Electric Umbrella is way more than music – it strives to provide purpose and a sense of worth, togetherness and belonging to what the charity describes as ‘some of society’s most misrepresented people’. It uses professional musicians and specially-adapted instruments and a collaborative approach, working inclusively with service users. The result is that Electric Umbrella is an exciting movement which seeks, and manages, to challenge perceptions of people with learning disabilities, while supporting them to make music and help reduce social isolation.
The aim has never been more relevant than it is now. In normal times – although ‘there’s no such thing as normal’, as one of the group’s self-penned songs goes – the charity serves 60 people across three groups in Rickmansworth, Watford and Hemel Hempstead. There’s also a 100-strong Big Yellow Choir in Abbots Langley.
Denne historien er fra October 2020-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 2020-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
![A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f9675971863e/crp_A-day-in-the-life-of-a-jewellery-designer.jpg)
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
![Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f966c73d8038/crp_Sniffig-out-clues-in-THE-ASHES.jpg)
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
![The greatest traveller](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f966a6aca407/crp_The-greatest-traveller.jpg)
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
![In bed with CELEBS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f965df3ef3fa/crp_In-bed-with-CELEBS.jpg)
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
![Roam with a view](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f9667ab48628/crp_Roam-with-a-view.jpg)
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
![Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f96707eb48f5/crp_Saving-Mrs-Tiggy-Winkle.jpg)
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
![5 minutes with](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f966e7112591/crp_5-minutes-with.jpg)
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week