In 2009, The Sisterhood set up The Gettalife Project as a formally registered charity. Until 2026 this was the Gabriel Sisters’ joint apostolic work which reflects our desire to be ethically and practically involved in the world, allying ourselves with causes of justice, mercy and compassion.

Through our charitable work we sought to make a difference, one life at a time, looking for when talent and a passion to use it can be enabled and strengthened.

The Project grew out of the special musical event ‘Real Soul, Real Gospel’ held at Manchester Cathedral in 2008. The original vision was to help young people in the inner city of Manchester - who were without work and who did not believe they could access a way of developing their talent or realising their dreams – to ‘get a life.’ The aim was to provide a creative and practical alternative, at least for some, to gun culture.

Over time the Project widened its aims, creating a small portfolio of personally supervised apprenticeship places, as well as working to enable the development of musical, artistic and craft skills for people from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds or particularly complex and difficult situations.

The Knitting Project was a joint initiative between The Gettalife Project and the Gabriel Sisters. This encouraged small-scale acts of creativity to produce items of practical use, embodying a sense kindness and care.  Through the centuries-old traditional skill of knitting, items were made that bring warmth in a cold climate for those living on the streets or in difficult financial circumstances. Larger coloured blankets or throws were made to brighten a room for those living in hostel accommodation and cheerless bedsit land.

Young musicians from the Royal Northern College of Music taking part in the concert in 2008

Handmade blankets bringing comfort and warmth

The conclusion of the Gettalife Project: April 2026

At the Old Royal Naval College Chapel in Greenwich, as part of a service of Choral Evensong, a gathered choir of singers from the traditional English choral background and singers from the African and Gospel traditions came together to perform the world première of an anthem ‘I saw a new heaven and a new earth’ which was commissioned by the Gettalife Project and written by the acclaimed composer, Jonathan Dove. Together, as individuals drawn across difference and with sometimes painful histories, the choir lamented lives lost and sang of a vision of hope to inspire.