Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week, aiming to bring the UK together to focus on working towards good mental health for all. This year, the week takes place from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th May and the theme is 'community', something that is central to the work we do here at Welsh National Opera.
Mental Health Foundation, 2025We want to use this Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power and importance of community.
Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense of purpose
Music in Wales, particularly singing, is a significant part of Welsh national identity, with Wales often referred to as "the land of song". Communities are at the heart of this heritage, from the coal mines to the sidelines of sports grounds.
WNO has two community programmes which aim to improve participants' physical and mental health through the power of music and community.
Wellness with WNO
Since 2021 the Wellness with WNO programme has been supporting people living with Long COVID and, more recently, other post-viral and energy-limiting conditions such as M.E./CFS and fibromyalgia. The online programme allows participants to join WNO in a relaxed and informal setting to explore performance techniques that may help support symptom management in the future.
After completing the initial 6-week programme, participants can continue to work with WNO via fortnightly drop-in sessions.
By using breathing exercises and singing techniques to contribute towards improved breath control, lung function, circulation and posture, in a sociable and joyful environment, WNO aims to connect participants with their peers.
In addition to the physical benefits, feedback is largely focused on the mental health benefits due to the creation of an inclusive, supportive, safe and non-judgmental community.
Wellness with WNO participantsIt's such a powerful resource. Singing can be very uplifting. There are mental and physical health benefits. There aren't many things you can do from the sofa with your laptop that gives you both.
It provides so much value emotionally, physically and community-wise. It helps with feeling isolated. An unexpected benefit was seeing how others responded. You see people struggling, but attendees were encouraging each other.
My frustration dissipates when I’m in a room full of people who understand me.
Cradle Choir
Another WNO community programme is WNO Cradle Choir. Cradle Choir is an intergenerational project designed to enrich the lives of those living with dementia, their family and their friends. There are currently choirs in Milford Haven, Llanelli and Llandeilo. This supportive community offers a weekly opportunity for members to socialise in person, revisit fond memories and explore a range of music in a relaxed and encouraging environment.
WNO Cradle Choir participantIt's a warm and supportive environment, something to be treasured.
To find out more about these programmes, including eligibility and the referral process, please contact the Programmes and Engagement team: wellness@wno.org.uk.