Wellness with WNO

Wellness with WNO is a health and wellbeing programme designed to support people with Long COVID in Wales. The programme was developed by the Welsh National Opera in partnership with NHS Health Boards in Wales and piloted in 2022. It was made available across the whole of Wales and support from Powys Health Charity has allowed the programme to continue to be delivered across Powys in 2023.

The six-week singing and breathing courses take place online and are designed to support people who may be experiencing feelings of breathlessness, anxiety and fatigue that may continue longer term after the initial symptoms of the COVID-19 virus have passed.

Sessions are led by WNO Vocal Specialists who are experts in breath control, who each week guide participants through breathing techniques and singing exercises they have cultivated over the course of their careers.

Sessions are delivered in Welsh and English and participants are referred to the programme following an assessment with their local NHS Long COVID Service (the Living Well Service at PTHB).

In 2023, it was found that approximately 57,000 people in Wales reported they had Long COVID symptoms a year after being infected (just under 2% of the population). A total of 94,000 people in Wales had Long COVID in the 12 months before March 2023, just over 3% of the population, suggesting continued significant societal impacts as a result.

The programme allows participants to join the WNO in a relaxed and informal setting to explore some of the techniques the Welsh National Opera uses in singing and performing that help support symptom management.

These breathing exercises and singing techniques contribute towards improved breath control, lung function, circulation and posture. The programme also helps to connect participants with others facing similar challenges and helps with self-management after the programme ends.

‘Before the drop-ins I got into a really bad breathing pattern and needed help to get out of it. It was specifically the exercises they give that got my breathing back. You breathe your whole life and I had no idea how to breathe and they helped me find it again. It’s not just the physical, it’s helped me mentally.

When you’re depressed the conversation with others does help. I’m a lot better than when I started. I can do 40% more and mentally I’m 100% better because of the contact with the people on the Zoom.

It’s a brilliant thing.’ 

– Participant