Publish date: 19 December 2025
Throughout the festive season, the St Bernard’s Choir have been spreading some Christmas cheer through a series of special performances celebrating community connection, and recovery.
The choir, which has been running for nine years, is truly one of a kind - made up of staff, current inpatients, and former service users who come together each week to sing side by side.
Deborah Klayman, who leads the choir alongside Regina Okeke and former patient Gary, explained how it all began:
“The choir’s actually been running for nine years. It was started by Sally, who was our chaplain at the time, and I joined the year after as a member. When Sally got a job at another trust, someone had to take over running the choir or it was going to fold - I really didn’t want that to happen. So, my manager agreed that I could take it on.”
Since then, Deborah has seen the choir grow into a creative space where participants flourish.
“The choir’s quite unique in that it’s the only sort of activity that’s done by staff and service users together. It sort of has a slightly different vibe than a group that’s purely facilitated by staff,” Deborah explained. “The band is facilitated by staff, but the choir is the one thing we do collaboratively - and I think that’s one of the really nice things about it.”
Speaking on the mental and physical benefits of the choir, Alice Pollock, a music therapist at West London NHS Trust and a member of the choir said:
“Everyone has a voice and can participate in singing, so it is an accessible and inclusive form of self-expression. The process can release endorphins which improve mood. Singing also supports our physical health through improving breathing and posture, and stimulates cognitive skills such as attention and memory.”
She added: “When we sing together as part of a choir, we are united in a common experience which helps us listen to and connect with others. All these elements combined mean that choir singing can contribute to an enhanced sense of wellbeing and community.”
One of the choir’s success stories is Gary, a former inpatient and long-time member who became a co-facilitator for the group, as well as performing on guitar. Deborah spoke warmly about his contribution:
“Gary’s been with us for a long time, and he’s such a positive presence. His commitment and enthusiasm made him a natural choice to step into more of a leadership role, even before he was discharged and returned to the community. He helps support new members and really embodies what the choir is all about - connection, confidence and collaboration.”
“The fact that members of the choir who are now in community still want to return to the choir sessions and performances just goes to show what a positive presence the choir has in their lives. It’s important that they keep their communities, that it doesn’t fall away once they are discharged.”
Reflecting on his journey, Gary said:
“Being part of the choir has really built up my confidence. I’ve made connections with people and it keeps me busy doing something I love. Playing guitar and singing with everyone feels great - it’s like being part of a little family.”
This sense of shared ownership and equality has made the group an important part of life at the Trust. During the pandemic, even when rehearsals couldn’t take place in person, the members of the group that were in the community stayed connected online as part of the St Bernard's Band, which Regina also facilitates.
Speaking on the importance of the choir during the pandemic, Deborah said: “They couldn’t sing or perform, but they were able to listen to and share music, and let them check in with each other. For those who had been in hospital and were now in the community and suddenly massively isolated by Covid restrictions, that was really important.”
She added: “It’s something special that brings people together, it’s not just about singing - it’s about connection, confidence and a sense of community.”
The choir welcomes members from across services, including those on leave from inpatient wards, former service users who are now in the community, and staff from different areas of the Trust.