PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCE of homelessness, adverse mental health and substance misuse conditions are singing out for recovery, togetherness and wellbeing at a new choir in Wrexham.

The Wrexham One Love Choir harnesses the uplifting and therapeutic power of song to help people develop confidence and self-esteem, fulfilment and purpose and it's thought to be one of the first community choirs of its kind in Wales.

Mark Magee, 45, said the singing group has become “like a family” for many of its members and provides them with an outlet.

“People come, do something together, join in and can always talk to someone if they need to.

“The singing helps people to build confidence and allows them to let their problems out. It helps them stay calm and feel more relaxed, and gives them a group of people they can trust.”

Lliona Jones, 47 was a newcomer to singing, but has only missed one practice since the initiative began and said she had taken enormous satisfaction from performing in front of an audience.

“The choir helps to keep everyone going and help to keep them focussed."

“I was really nervous at first before the concert at Moneypenny and trying to sort everything out, but we got through and now we know that we can do it.”

The choir was developed by Wrexham MP Ian Lucas following the success of the first Wrexham Singing Streets festival in 2016. He brought members of Gateway Church and charity leaders in Wrexham together with The Choir with No Name, a charity which run choirs for homeless and marginalised people in London, Liverpool, Birmingham and Brighton.

Mr Lucas said the Wrexham sessions, held at Trinity Church from 11am each Wednesday, were uplifting and exhilarating for participants.

He said: “It is well known that singing is of enormous therapeutic benefit, so it’s wonderful to see those benefits being realised through this fantastic project here in Wrexham,” he said.

“When we hosted the first Singing Streets festival, we were struck by how members of the town’s homeless community wanted to join in with many of the choirs who were performing – so we decided to explore opportunities to develop a group specifically to allow vulnerable and marginalised people in Wrexham to enjoy singing together.

“We’re indebted to The Choir With No Name for working with us and sharing their approach so generously, and to our other partners for helping making the Wrexham One Love Choir a reality. It was really fantastic to see the Wrexham One Love Choir joining the programme for the Singing Streets festival in September 2018, with the support of members of the group from Liverpool.”

Wrexham One Love Choir rehearses at Trinity Church from 11am each Wednesday – with all practices followed by a communal hot lunch. For more information, please email onelovechoir@cais.org.uk, call 01978 314 314 or visit www.cais.co.uk/onelovechoir.