Award-winning singer-songwriter Paloma Faith has released a special charity single, ‘Silent Night, Gentle Light’, to raise awareness and support for neurodivergent children. The release, which debuted alongside the Christmas special of Sky Kids’ Ready Eddie Go!, marks a significant collaboration with the Sky Kids choir and is aimed at highlighting the sensory challenges many children face during the festive season.
The new version of the classic Christmas carol was carefully reimagined to reflect the unique experiences of neurodivergent children, many of whom can find Christmas overwhelming due to sensory overload. The song’s lyrics focus on the difficulties of navigating noisy shops, bright decorations, and itchy Christmas jumpers, while encouraging the reduction of sensory stress and promoting the joy of familiarity.
The track is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, iTunes, and Spotify, with all proceeds from the single being donated to the Caudwell Children’s Charity. The charity provides support to children with special needs and promotes inclusivity and accessibility for all.
The project aligns with the Christmas special of Ready Eddie Go!, a Sky Kids show that follows Eddie, a six-year-old autistic boy as he experiences everyday activities for the first time. The show’s creator, Nikki Saunders, who collaborated with writer Joseph Morpurgo to co-write the song’s lyrics, has long advocated for more representation of neurodiversity in children’s programming.
Lucy Murphy, Director of Kids Content at Sky, explained the importance of the campaign: “Ready Eddie Go! has been an incredibly special show for us, as it supports neurodiverse children and their families. We know that Christmas can be particularly challenging for some, so we’re delighted to partner with Paloma Faith and our Sky Kids choir to reimagine a beloved carol in a way that embraces all children’s needs during the holidays.”
The festive season, which often involves changes in routine, unexpected visitors, and sensory overload, can be especially difficult for neurodivergent children. Nikki Saunders, creator of Ready Eddie Go!, acknowledged the importance of raising awareness. “Christmas can be a daunting time for families, particularly those with neurodivergent children. Our campaign, along with the Christmas episode of Ready Eddie Go!, reminds everyone that Christmas doesn’t have to follow traditional norms, and that it’s okay to celebrate the holidays in a way that works for your family,” she said.
The Caudwell Children’s Charity expressed their gratitude for the campaign, emphasising the positive message of inclusivity and the importance of creating a sensory-friendly environment for all. “For many families, Christmas can be unpredictable and overwhelming,” said a spokesperson for the charity. “This reimagined version of Silent Night is a beautiful reminder that families can create their own festive traditions to ensure their holiday season is joyful and accessible.”
Paloma Faith’s heartfelt contribution to the campaign has already garnered widespread praise for its ability to capture the spirit of inclusivity and support for neurodivergent children and their families. The single, ‘Silent Night, Gentle Light’, is now available for streaming, with proceeds going to a cause that seeks to make the Christmas season brighter for all.