The Lisa Project began in May 2024 with a mission to bring people together through singing, signing and inclusive communication.
Inspired by the memory of my Deaf sister Lisa and the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and connected, our sessions create opportunities for children and older adults to build confidence, improve communication and develop meaningful relationships across generations.
Following registration as a Community Interest Company in February 2025, The Lisa Project secured funds from The National Lottery Community Fund, enabling us to expand our work across Northumberland.

Building confidence and wellbeing
Through music, participants develop confidence, express themselves creatively and experience the joy of learning together. Singing creates a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels encouraged to take part and belong.

Promoting inclusive communication and Deaf awareness
Participants learn signs alongside songs, improving communication skills while developing a greater understanding of Deaf awareness, accessibility and the importance of inclusive communication.

Reducing isolation and building empathy
We bring children and older adults together through meaningful shared experiences that foster kindness, understanding and lasting connections.

"I was so nervous going into the care home but I left feeling so happy and confident about my signing."
– Primary school pupil, Richard Coates Primary School, Ponteland
"During a visit to a cathedral, the children spontaneously chose to sign a song we had learnt together—without being asked."
– Teacher, Richard Coates Primary School, Ponteland
"I thought I'd let you know that the BSL you've taught my daughter has inspired me to learn it myself." – Parent, Westfield School, Gosforth

Featured for our Sing Sign Self Choir at the Wey Aye Deaf festival in Newcastle and promoting Deaf awareness through music.

An intergenerational session was featured on The National Lottery Community Fund's social media channels, showcasing the difference National Lottery funding is making in our community.

Our work has been featured multiple times in the Northumberland Gazette, recognising the positive impact of our intergenerational singing and signing programmes across Northumberland.

Every session we deliver creates new opportunities for confidence, communication, inclusion and connection. As The Lisa Project continues to grow, our ambition is to reach more communities across Northumberland, expand our intergenerational programmes and develop new opportunities through our Sing Sign Self Choirs.
By working alongside schools, care homes, families and community partners, we hope to ensure that even more people can experience the lasting benefits of singing, signing and meaningful connection.
Together, we can create communities where everyone feels seen, heard and included.