A CHOIR has earned praise for helping ‘Stay at Home to Stay Lives’.

Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, has thanked community volunteers across Wales for helping keep Wales safe in the pandemic.

Ms Hutt said: “Thank you to all the community volunteers who are working so hard. Support is available in your local area if you need it.

“It has been heart-warming to hear about the many ways that communities have come together right across Wales, throughout the pandemic, to protect and support the most vulnerable among us."

Cowbridge Male Voice Choir, in the Vale of Glamorgan, were among the people thanked.

The Choir has more than 80 members; many are older people who have lost family members, and miss having a close support network.

They have held Zoom choir practices, virtual bake-offs, a cocktail night, a poetry competition, and a social jamboree at Christmas, supporting friends and neighbours who would otherwise have been alone.

Top tenor and vice chair of Cowbridge Male Voice Choir, Jon Wilks, said: “Choir members struggled with their mental wellbeing during this tough year, but we were determined that they shouldn’t struggle on their own.”

The following organisations also earned praise:

  • Nanny Biscuit in Flintshire
  • Flintshire Local Voluntary Council
  • Vineyard Church
  • Partneriaeth Ogwen in Bethesda

Ms Hutt added:“The Stay Home rules are difficult for everyone, but they are in place to slow the spread of the virus and to keep us all safe, protect the NHS and save lives.

“We continue to face a very serious situation. Cases in Wales are very high and our NHS is under real pressure, but community groups and charities are still looking after people who are isolating, or who need support."