Vital funding secured as Wrexham homeless choir hits the high notes

People with personl experience of homelessness, mental health issues and substance misuse conditions will hit the high notes on the international stage this summer with the support of two new backers.

Wrexham’s pioneering One Love Choir will entertain crowds at the Focus Wales international showcase this week and Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July after winning funding from the Steve Morgan Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund.

The grants will help the choir recruit a new director and manager, underpinning its work to harness the uplifting and therapeutic power of song – and help people develop confidence and self-esteem, fulfilment and purpose.

It’s thought the choir – which seeks to engage with and support some of the most vulnerable people in the community – is the first singing group of its kind in Wales.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas sang with the choir when it joined the Dydd Llun 2 celebrations at Ty Pawb last week. He said he was absolutely delighted the ensemble was attracting such strong support.

“The Wrexham One Love Choir is such a positive, inspirational project and it was a pleasure to perform with them recently,” said Mr Lucas.

“I’m grateful for the backing from the Steve Morgan Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund, and thank them very much for their support.

“I look forward to seeing the choir continue to flourish.”

The choir is supported by organisations including the Choir With No Name, and hosted by rehab and recovery charity CAIS.

“Wrexham One Love Choir is already making a visible difference to its members and to the wider community,” said CAIS outreach manager, Sarah Roberts.

“Every week we see how singing together has helped our members find new purpose and inspiration. Now we can’t wait to get on stage at Focus Wales and in Llangollen.

“This valuable support from the Steve Morgan Foundation and the The National Lottery Community Fund will provide the backing the choir needs to continue to sing out for recovery.”

Wrexham One Love Choir will open the Focus Wales Saturday @ St Giles event on May 18, and will join the programme in Llangollen as part of the Eisteddfod’s Inclusion Project – entitled Tapestry – on Wednesday July 3.

A joint concert with Holt Village Voices last month raised more than £1,000 for the initiative.

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 [email protected], call 01978 314 314 or visit www.cais.co.uk/onelovechoir.