Thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our work with Hydebank Wood Women’s Choir

Northern Ireland Opera has recently been awarded funding  by The National Lottery Community Fund through The National Lottery Awards for All programme to manage and develop the Hydebank Wood Women’s Choir.

Led by India Chapman-Webb since 2022, this choir has already achieved remarkable success and was highlighted in the November 2024 Inspection Report of Hydebank Women’s Prison by the Department of Justice as an example of notable positive practice:

”The choir fostered a sense of community for the women who took part and an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and abilities. They were able to practise together, perform solos and enter community competitions.”

The choir meets weekly and comprises female residents and staff from the Northern Ireland Prison Service. Their Christmas Concert was attended by members of the Department of Justice, MLAs, resident support groups and families, who recognise its positive impact. The choir has won Best Adult Community Choir in November 2023 at the Holywood Music Festival Choir Award, been featured on BBC Radio Ulster, and was highly commended in the Newcomers category at the Bangor Choral Festival in May 2024.

‘Choir is such a positive part of prison life. It lifts everyone’s moods and is so good for our mental health.’ Choir Member.

Northern Ireland Opera will manage this project as part of their wide-ranging Outreach and Education programming, which engages and inspires people from communities, charities and schools through music, theatre and creative skills.

India Chapman-Webb, Musical Director of the Hydebank Wood Choir says: ‘Hydebank Prison Choir is made up of residents and staff which brings a unique element to this activity within the prison.  The release singing brings to each choir member is palpable and I certainly leave each week knowing that we’ve given people a boost within their days.’

The Governor of HMP Hydebank Wood comments: “The Choir has been such a tremendous success within Hydebank, any resident can engage which in turn boosts their confidence and self-worth. The ladies have become very supportive of one another and through working together have demonstrated what they can achieve, which is evident in the numerous awards they have won. I look forward to hearing about the work that is carried out with Northern Ireland Opera.”

Our project has been made possible thanks to funding raised by National Lottery players.