Welsh National Opera expands Long Covid support programme

Welsh National Opera (WNO) is expanding its successful Long Covid patient support programme across six health boards in Wales.

The Wellness with WNO programme was initially launched in November 2021 as a rehabilitation service for patients referred to NHS Long Covid services.

Delivered via Zoom, sessions share the techniques and strategies of opera singers in order to help with breath control, lung function, circulation and posture.

The programme also focuses on emotional wellbeing and the joy of singing.

More than 100 participants have completed the six-week programme so far.

WNO Producer April Heade said that the company was delighted to be able to expand the reach of the programme across the country “to improve the health and wellbeing of as many people as we can as part of their overall treatment”.

Heade added: “We have seen first hand the enormously positive impact these sessions have had on participants who have attended so far.”

Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It has been heartening to see the success of the Wellness with WNO project and the significant benefits it has provided for people’s health and wellbeing."