Andy Collins: It felt amazing to be back on stage with famous pals at Connect 2 U event in Stoke Mandeville!

So last week I was back on stage with some amazing people from the showbiz world bringing some sunshine to some lovely residents in the Fremantle Trust Care homes in Stoke Mandeville and Wing as we set off for the launch of Connect2You.
By Oliver Sirell
Published 19th Oct 2020, 16:34 GMT
Updated 19th Oct 2020, 16:39 GMT
Andy Collins at the Connect 2 U eventAndy Collins at the Connect 2 U event
Andy Collins at the Connect 2 U event

Now Connect2You is a campaign born out of the pandemic which aims to do two important things bringing together two sectors hit hardest by COVID. – the arts and care homes.

On their solar powered outdoor stages they bring much needed live entertainment to the doorstep of vulnerable people who may not have been able to get out and about for some time, lifting spirits by connecting people with song, joy and laughter; Connect2You also provides work for professional artists who may have had shows concerts and performances cancelled and may have been unable to work during the pandemic.

The show was also streamed live online for residents who couldn’t make it outside and so that friends and families could join their loved ones remotely to share the experience, helping to create magical shared memories when they may not be able to be together physically.

Andy Abrahams at the Connect 2 U eventAndy Abrahams at the Connect 2 U event
Andy Abrahams at the Connect 2 U event

I hosted the show , and I shared the stage with the hilarious Kev Orkian who had the audience laughing so hard one lady lost her teeth! (not even joking!) carers and residents were also treated to amazing live performances from the Olivier award nominee West End leading lady Cassidy Janson, comedy musician Daniel Taylor and X factor finalist Andy Abraham who had everyone up on their feet dancing by the end with his selection of sweet soul music - They could really bust some moves.

The beauty of the project is it is totally COVID friendly and entirely self contained with the team not even needing to enter the building to make it happen, which means this kind of activity can continue to brighten the days of some of our most vulnerable communities.

The weather was kind to us and it was a fantastic day. You genuinely wouldn’t believe the joy it brought to the faces of the residents, many who said it was the best day they have had in a long time. You can find out more about connect2You at www.Connect2You.co.uk or follow them on social media @cponnect2Youlive – they continue to take performances out and about across the UK and I’m looking forward to joining them to see all those lovely smiles again!

And so pleased those Lucky Bucks residents for being some of the first to experience this great project!

Keep smiling

Love youuuuuuuu

Andy x

Related topics:Stoke MandevilleCassidy Janson