Remember how good it felt to stand up on stage at the school Nativity play and belt out Jingle Bells at the very top of your lungs?
You may be a little older (and a touch more reserved) these days but that feeling doesn't fade as we grow up.
In fact, it might even be more beneficial now: studies show that singing as part of a group boosts oxytocin levels, which help ease stress and anxiety... and it makes no difference whether you can hold a tune or not!
Sign up for this year's Sing For Simon fundraising event this Christmas and you'll also be helping ease stress and anxiety for the people who are most vulnerable in our society; Ireland's homeless.
Tragically, the number of people who rely on Dublin Simon Community services for accommodation, healthcare and support has drastically increased as the homeless crisis has spiraled.
As we approach Christmas 2017, the situation is worse than ever (nearly 8,500 people are currently in emergency accommodation according to the latest figures), but there is something you can do.
Wrap up warm, gather a gang of mates and tune up those voices (all varieties welcome!) to join stars such as Bono, Hozier, Glen Hansard, Damien Rice, Mundy and Paddy Casey in belting out a few classics for a great cause.
How to get involved:
Gather your group and Sing for Simon: Arrange your own carol singing event in your local area, or join in one of Simon's at pre-booked locations across Dublin City Centre and shopping centres.
The Dublin Simon Community 24-Hour Carolathon takes place on Friday, December 15th and Saturday 16th from 12pm. Sign up individually or arrange a group to take a two or three hour slot.
Use your Voice to End Homelessness
Each year ‘Sing for Simon’ brings together over 100 groups and choirs who sing Christmas carols and songs in numerous shopping centres and across Dublin in aid of Dublin Simon Community, Kildare, Wicklow and Meath. Do you sing in a choir, a group or even in the shower? We would love you to join our campaign for 2017. 
