'Friends Together' Adult Learning Disability Choir call out for new members to join

THE Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) Adult Learning Disability service has announced the continuation of the ‘Friends Together’ Adult Learning Disability Choir.

Margaret McDaid, community access worker at the Western Trust explains: “Membership includes adults with a learning disability, their carers and staff from across the whole Western Trust area.

"Singing as part of a choir has proven to help adults with a learning disability to increase their confidence and learn a new skill whilst having fun.

"We are currently looking to recruit new members to expand the choir and are seeking to make contact with anyone who may be interested in joining.

“The Friends Together choir meets via Zoom on Tuesday evenings. The choir also meet up regularly to sing together in the Alley Theatre, Strabane.

“We have had three successful shows to date and the choir plan to showcase their skills in the future on stage.”

Choir mistress, Siobhan Heaney, added: “We can improve our wellbeing by changing our physical, emotional, and social state through music and singing.

"Songs can affect how we feel, and we can choose different pieces of music according to how we feel.

"Singing has the power to evoke the spectrum of emotions. When we sing together our mood is elevated as is social connection.

"Being part of a choir brings confidence, joy and friendship to each member and helps put a smile on each and everyone’s face.

"I believe that it is possible to improve your health one song at a time!”

If you are a person with a learning disability or care for someone with a learning disability and you are interested in more information contact Margaret McDaid on email: MargaretS.McDaid@westerntrust.hscni.net.

“We are looking forward to welcoming members to join this wonderful choir. Thank you," Margaret added.