Wellbeing & Joy
Faye Bailey has brought joy into the lives of many through her singing for wellbeing groups, which reach out across the generations
Talented vocalist and musician Faye Bailey has always known singing gives people the fun, feel-good factor. And, that’s why she has set up singing for wellbeing groups that are being held across the Ribble Valley.
From tots to teens, super-mums to seniors everyone enjoys Faye’s unique singing groups.
A former student at Accrington and Rossendale College where she studied an HND in Music, Faye, who plays the piano, went on to become a music teacher in New York: “I spotted an ad online wanting teachers for children at a summer camp in America and I absolutely loved it!” recalls Faye. “If I could do it all again, I would definitely go back there.”
While looking for teaching posts back home, Faye had a spell working for dad Gary in the family business and she also worked as an extra on Coronation Street and Emmerdale: “I had an agent in Manchester and by chance I got to work on set alongside some well-known actors. But they were long days – early starts and late finishes and a lot of commuting so I knew I couldn’t really keep it up.”
At the time Faye was working in Bolton and by coincidence she would park her car next door to a music school: “I just plucked up courage and asked if there were any jobs going. There was – they needed a vocal coach!”
After two years Faye decided to go it alone and returning to her Ribble Valley roots, she set up her own business, starting off with just one student.
She began to expand and as word got around, she was asked to set up a sing-for-fun choir in Mellor, which turned out to be such a success that she went on to set up other singing-for-wellness groups within the area.
In 2018 Faye gave birth to her daughter Sophia and moved, as a single mum, to Salesbury: “It was quite a tricky time trying to run a business with a new baby and then the pandemic struck, so of course the singing lessons and choirs ground to a halt,” recounts Faye, who went on to streamline and re-build the business.
Keeping her original Mellor choir going, Faye launched Tea, Tots & Tunes – a mums and toddler group where young mums can meet, socialise and sing. She was also asked to set up additional wellbeing singing groups: “Everything started to fall into place,” says Faye, who went on to set up the Music and Wellbeing Project – a Community Interest Company, which is a non-profit organisation that provides music for wellbeing, including a dementia-friendly singing group supported by a team of eight volunteers.
The launch of her Tea, Tots and Tunes groups has been one of her most successful ventures: “I particularly wanted to help single mums as I had been in that position. I know how singing can enhance wellbeing as it has always helped me.
“Singing is great stimulation for young children too, helping them with their development.
“The Tea, Tots and Tunes groups are unique in that they are singing playgroups which is free to those on universal credit – so it’s particularly nice for mums all in the same position, who can empathise with others. It is very discreet but open to everyone.
“For many single mums, playgroups are often seen as a luxury, but this shouldn’t be the case,” explains Faye, who attracts sponsorship through the Music and Wellbeing Project to fund various community groups.
“We are able to keep costs down while providing breakfast for our Tea, Tots and Tunes wellbeing session and lunch and music for our Memories, dementia-friendly singing group.”
Speaking about her Memories group, Faye adds: “Singing makes all the difference – whatever the stage of dementia. People come in with their carers or family and we sing, dance and play simple musical instruments for one-and-a-half hours. The benefits are huge and not just for those suffering from dementia as it gives the carers a much-needed break too.
“Caring for a loved one in that situation can be absolutely physically and mentally exhausting so carers too get the benefit. It’s often the highlight of their week.
“Personally, I love it – it is very rewarding,” says Faye, who works alongside her eight dedicated volunteers and the Dementia Alliance Network to bring the classes and resources to the Ribble Valley.
“I have always loved singing and playing the piano and I feel so privileged to be able to do it as a job. Music can ease anguish and worry, enhance wellness – it is a wonderful form of therapy.”
Tea, Tots and Tunes wellbeing groups are held on Wednesday 10am (funded free admission for families on universal credit) and on Friday (non-funded) at 10am in Billington and Langho Community Centre.
Memories all-ability dementia-friendly singing group, every Wednesday 11.30am–1pm including lunch option.
Singing choirs are held in Mellor on Tuesday at 6pm (Harmony Group) and Whalley on Thursday at 6.45pm (Sing for Fun).
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