This month we are celebrating the amazing players of People’s Postcode Lottery and the impact that their funds makes to good causes throughout Wales!
November marks the first anniversary of our partnership with the Postcode Community Trust, who are funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
This exciting 3-year partnership is supporting us to bring the benefits of group singing to young people across Wales through our Only Boys Aloud, Only Girls Aloud, and Only Kids Aloud choir programmes.
“We want to give a big thank you to players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This funding makes a huge difference to our work and our ability to provide unique opportunities for our participants. With the multi-year grant, we can plan ahead with more confidence and have greater financial stability – which is very welcome at a time when other areas of income are hard to come by.” Hannah Beadsworth, Development Manager
Impact
From improved breathing, increased social bonds, and reduced loneliness, growing bodies of research highlight the impact that group singing makes to our physical and mental health.
Our annual evaluation survey highlighted that:
• 94% of respondents felt supported by our Choir Leaders
• 72% of respondents felt that they had made new friends
• 69% of respondents felt they were more confident as a result of their involvement
Greta’s Story
Greta was in year 4 when lockdown hit in March 2020. Before the lockdown she had been excited to sing a solo in the upcoming Eisteddfod – all Eisteddfods were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 and Greta’s confidence took a huge knock.
After a year of trying to encourage Greta to sing again, mum Mared saw that Only Kids Aloud were auditioning and encouraged Greta to apply. Mared joined Greta in the audition room as she was petrified of singing alone.
Greta joined Only Kids Aloud in 2022 and took part in a range of opportunities including at Disneyland Paris as part of their Let’s Sing programme. Involvement made a huge impact on Greta’s confidence and she has now moved on to be a member of our Only Girls Aloud choir.
“Thank you for all the opportunities Greta got with Only Kids Aloud.
To think back to just over a year ago, when Greta was so shy she couldn’t stand alone to sing for the audition, the growth in her confidence and the development in her voice is astounding. She recently came 3rd in the County in the girls solo under 15 in the Eisteddfod!! I was so proud of her, but I honestly don’t think she could have done that a year ago. She said it herself, it was because of Only Kids Aloud – it has been the best experience for her, and I just wanted to pass that on!
She’s re-discovered her love for singing in front if people (after the disastrous effect of covid lockdowns on her confidence!). She’s loved every minute and is so invested in Only Girls Aloud now! It’s wonderful to see her confidence and skills grow and thrive.
Thanks a million for your enthusiasm and kindness along the way. It’s made a huge difference to Greta and I’m sure to many, many other members of the choir.” Mared Swain, Greta’s Mum
The support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has been invaluable during a time when fundraising has been increasingly challenging.
“Being a project funded organisation, receiving unrestricted funding is of great significance to us. It provides us with a stability that means that we can spend the money where it’s most needed and focus our efforts on providing life changing opportunities for young people across Wales, at a time when young people’s mental health is of utmost importance. With elements of core funding in place, we can ensure that our service to young people is prioritised and that their well-being is at the forefront of our minds.” Carys Wynne Morgan, Chief Executive
Thank you again to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery for supporting young people’s well-being through group singing!
