New Wrexham Maelor Hospital choir sings for their mental health and wellbeing

08/08/2024

Staff at Wrexham Maelor Hospital have formed a new wellbeing choir and is receiving an overwhelming response from staff.

The Maelor Wellbeing Choir was formed in May by Medical Directorate Matron Rebecca Jones and Prince of Wales Ward Manager Virma Pebeyre. They have also teamed up with Aled Phillips, the Conductor of Johns Boys male voice choir, who are based Wrexham and have recently appeared on Britain’s got Talent and the Royal Varity Performance.

Aled is helping the Wellbeing Choir prepare for various performances across North Wales, and is supporting the choir with singing at local charity events.

Rebecca said: “We have had an incredible response from the staff at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and the choir is working hard to promote staff wellbeing and mental health across the Health Board.

“The rehearsals are currently held fortnightly in the hospital and staff have been committed in attending in their own time after their shifts. The positive reaction we’ve had from everyone who has joined has been overwhelming, and within a short timeframe the feedback from choir members has been that the impact of the choir has improved their mental wellbeing significantly.”

Virma added: “This is the start of our journey. The hope and intention is that the choir will continue to evolve and open up more opportunities for each member to participate in future performances and continuously improve each and every member’s wellbeing.”

The choir now has over 40 members drawn from all departments across the hospital including all healthcare professionals.

At the start of the year Aled had a family member in Wrexham Maelor Hospital and over a period of months visited daily.

Aled said: “When approached I was more than happy to help lead choir rehearsals. It was the least I could do after seeing firsthand the incredible work all staff do at the hospital.

“It is just amazing to see the choir grow in numbers and in confidence. They are doing ever so well, and I have been really impressed by their natural talent and enthusiasm. I am very much looking forward to hearing them perform live to an audience.”