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Background: Challenges associated with homelessness require approaches that go beyond housing and meaningfully respond to the social and psychological issues related to it. Choirs can be safe spaces where members engage in a meaningful community, learn new skills, and develop more positive identities. However, little is known about the specific functions of choirs for members with experiences of homelessness. In the UK, the Choir With No Name (CWNN) runs 7 choirs for people affected by homelessness, aiming to create joyful singing communities for their members.

Objectives: The present study seeks to explore the functions of CWNN choirs for people affected by homelessness in the UK.

Methods: To capture the lived experiences of participants, we employed a participatory arts-based methodology. Zine workshops were conducted with 3 choirs (Sheffield, Coventry, and Birmingham). These workshops allowed members to articulate their experiences through both visual materials and group discussions. Thematic analysis was used to explore transcripts alongside visual outputs.

Results: Analysis is currently underway and is planned to be finished by February 2026. Initial themes describe several psychosocial functions of the choirs: becoming a family and community, engaging with the wider society, building confidence, reflecting on our identity, overwhelming x exciting, and having fun.

Conclusion: As the analysis progresses, this study will offer a deeper understanding of the role that choirs play in the homeless sector. By highlighting specific functions of choir singing, this presentation points toward the value of integrating arts-based approaches into broader social care and recovery frameworks.