Yesterday our members had a blast singing their favorite songs with Daniel Fitzgerald from RecRock. It was awesome to see some new faces join the group and participate in singing songs by the likes of ABBA, Dolly Parton, Bread, and Robbie Williams. These sessions are perfect for meeting new people, making friends, and having fun!
A big shoutout to Jeremy James and Shaun at Libanus Lifestyle Centre for providing us with the delicious hotdogs!
We love our RecRock sessions! Our communication skills, social skills, knowledge, confidence, and friendships are all improving. It’s the perfect setting in the perfect place, Libanus Lifestyle – Wales CIC.
Yesterday, our members and volunteers met for a sing-along and a catch-up over a cuppa. We sang and shared our love of music while some belted out great songs by great musical artists. Thanks to the Libanus Lifestyle – Wales CIC Team for providing delicious hot dogs for lunch – they were enjoyed by all.
We are attending a peaceful protest at the Senedd next week, so there will be no Reconnect through Music. We will be leaving Bargoed YMCA around 11:30 on Wednesday, so feel free to join us at the ‘Homes not Hospitals’ protest in Cardiff Bay.
Yesterday was our last music session with Daniel Fitzgerald from RecRock until Wednesday 20th April. Thanks to Zak and Erin for attending today – it was great to see you as always.
During the session members recorded more vocals for the song we have written, and took part in more filming for the video of the song.
As well as this, members performed a wide variety of songs from artists including Robbie Williams, the Righteous Brothers, Queen, George Michael, and Mumford & Sons. Well done to everyone who sang and danced; it was another fantastic session full of joy and happiness.
Yesterday our members celebrated St David’s Day early at Libanus Lifestyle with Dan from RecRock, who joined us for week six of our Reconnect through Music project. Our members performed songs by Tom Jones, Duffy, Will Young and many other artists, and sounded as great as ever.
Thank you to Jeremy James for making us traditional Welsh Cakes, which tasted amazing.
Yesterday we enjoyed our fifth session with Daniel Fitzgerald from RecRock at Libanus Lifestyle – Wales CIC in Blackwood. Our members enjoyed singing and dancing to their favourite songs whilst catching up with friends. These sessions are a great way to improve physical and mental health, alleviate stress and build confidence.
Next week we will be celebrating St David’s day and performing songs by our favourite music Welsh artists. Refreshments and welsh cakes will be provided, and Welsh-themed fancy dress is optional. We will be at Libanus next Wednesday from 10.30am if you would like to join us.
Yesterday was week four of our Reconnect through Music sessions with Daniel Fitzgerald from RecRock at Libanus Lifestyle – Wales CIC. Once again our members loved singing along and drumming to their favourite songs. Thank you to Zac Winwood for volunteering with our group, and for showing our members a few drumming tips, as you can see below.
Yesterday saw a full house at Libanus Lifestyle Wales CIC for week three of our Reconnect through Music sessions with Daniel Fitzgerald from RecRock, which was attended by over 30 people.
Everyone did a great job and had lots of fun performing their favourite songs, beating away on the drums and dancing along. Members performed songs by artists including Status Quo, Leona Lewis, Phil Collins, John Denver, Will Smith, Neil Diammond, Kylie Minogue, Will.i.am, and Barry Manilow, among many others. You all sounded amazing.
Members have reported that they feel more confident, less stressed and less anxious since attending these sessions, and they love how they can express themselves freely through music.
Yesterday saw our second Reconnect through Music session at Libanus Lifestyle Wales CIC with Daniel Fitzgerald from RecRock.
Over twenty individuals attended – including many new members – and a great time was had singing and socialising together. These sessions are great way to build confidence and make friends whilst having fun.
Many thanks to Jeremy and Shaun for cooking our hot dogs – they were delicious. We will be back at Libanus next Wednesday from 10.30am am until 12.30pm if you would like to join us. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.
Yesterday saw the launch of our weekly music group, Reconnect through Music, run by RecRock. The aim of the project is to create a sense of belonging between individuals who are isolated, lonely, stressed or feeling low in mood.
We kicked off the session with introductions from members old and new, and shared our favourite songs, artists and genres. Following this our members almost blew the roof off the little chapel on the hill in Libanus Lifestyle Centre in Blackwood, with their singing, dancing and instrument playing.
We ended the session with lots of conversation, lunch and new friendships made. Well done to everyone who attended and travelled independently – we know it was a massive step for you.
On the evening of Tuesday 7th November Caerphilly People First were at Blackwood Miners’ Institute to celebrate the tenth anniversary of RecRock. RecRock is a social enterprise based in Caerphilly which works with people to improve their skills and confidence through music and other creative activities. Caerphilly People First has been working with Dan from RecRock since Summer 2022, with our members attending music sessions where they have been given the opportunity to sing, play musical instruments, write songs, and make music videos.
As part of the evening, two Caerphilly People First members performed onstage – Mathew, who sang That’s All Right by Elvis, and Natalie who sang Torn by Natalie Imbruglia. They gave brilliant performances, and it was great to witness the musical performances by other groups who work with RecRock, many of whom performed songs they have written themselves. Everyone who was there witnessed so much talent onstage, and the crowd loved every single performance.
We will be restarting our music sessions with Dan in the new year, and our members can’t wait.
