Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Welsh National Opera join forces to help long COVID recovery

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board UHB has been working in conjunction with Welsh National Opera (WNO) to help long COVID patients recover from their symptoms through song. 

During the online sessions WNO vocal specialists teach breathing and diaphragmatic techniques to help with breathlessness, anxiety and other long-term effects of the virus. 

So far, results of the six-week online course have been encouraging with patients reporting an improvement with their symptoms and classes are being considered as a way of treating other long-term illnesses. 

Thirty-one people took part in four separate Wellness with WNO courses between November 2021 and February 2022 with 94% of participants reported the breathing techniques were effective. 

One of those was Bethan Godfrey, from Cardiff, who has been experiencing symptoms of long COVID since she first caught the virus in December 2020. 

“My symptoms included high temperature, breathlessness, fatigue, loss of sense of smell, palpitations, pins and needles, concentration problems and brain fog,” said Bethan, who still experiences some of the symptoms.  

After struggling with the exhausting symptoms Bethan was referred to the Wellness with WNO long COVID programme and after starting the online course she noticed her breathing had improved almost immediately. 

“As soon as I started WNO’s course I noticed a difference from the first week,” said Bethan. “I wasn’t as out of breath as I usually was. 

“Talking would leave me trying to catch my breath but now I’m a lot more conscious of my breathing which helps. 

“Most people enjoy singing and it uplifts you and actually noticing that you are getting better and that your breathing is improving helps to lift you and increases your endorphins and makes you feel better. It has been lifechanging.” 

The pilot programme is being offered through Cardiff and Vale UHB, Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB and Betsi Cadwaladr UHB. 

Rachel Wallbank, Allied Health Professional Clinical Lead Therapist at Cardiff and Vale UHB, said: “I think there is a long history of singing being used to promote health in social contact, health in terms of breath health, lung health and a means to support stress relief and it brings people sheer joy when they participate in singing. It’s hard to be sad when you’re singing, it helps with stress management and just a positive way to bring about rehabilitation. 

“The evidence from patients who have completed the course has been really positive. 

“Patients have enjoyed it and have enjoyed meeting other people who have experienced similar symptoms to themselves and similar experiences living with long COVID.” 

Simone Joslyn, Head of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s Arts for Health and Wellbeing programme and Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, said: “The Arts Programme works hard to embed music into many areas in the Health Board. 

“We support WNO in this programme as we have a long-term relationship with them.”