Toby has been involved in the performing arts since a young age. He has years of experience working with community groups and charities, most recently as Production Manager. Toby is Vice Chair for Prestatyn Carnival Association, a post he has held since 2010. He has worked within the charity sector since 2017 facilitating music and singing groups for people living with and alongside dementia and is currently the Dementia Centre Coordinator for Conwy. Since 2019 Toby has been the North Wales Session Coordinator for the Forget-me-not Chorus. Toby was the Musical Director for The Vale Singers in Rhyl for four years before recently stepping down. During the Covid-19 Pandemic Toby completed a Level 3 Award in Education and Training after being a facilitator delivering training to adults. He also completed training to enhance the work he does in and outside of his work. Toby is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with people. "I have a strong passion for mental health and appreciate how it affects everyone differently. I've seen first-hand the benefits that music and performance have on someone. It breaks down the stigma mental health has in the community and makes working within the sector all the more worthwhile."

Adele qualified with a BEd Hons degree in Music and Drama and has been teaching for 28 years, mostly with students with learning difficulties, including emotional and behavioural difficulties. She was a member of the National Youth Choir of Wales (many years ago!) and has performed with choirs and bands in Cardiff, London, Montreux, Berlin, Prague, and Hong Kong. “I’ve been very fortunate in receiving a first-class musical education and benefiting from the experience of some outstanding musicians. Music has always provided a safe place for me to express myself as well as providing challenges and a great social circle. The creative arts provide a universal language that allows us to communicate feelings we may be otherwise reluctant to express. Having witnessed the importance of good mental health in all aspects of my own life, I’m excited to be involved in a project that puts mental health at the forefront of its mission.”

After a career in financial services, Graham trained as a nurse and worked in the palliative care sector for 15 years before retiring in 2017. Describing himself as a ‘latecomer’ to the world of music and performance, for the last ten years Graham has been an active member of Acquire, a community choir based in Rhuddlan. He is also a keen student of classical guitar and plays the ukulele “just for fun”. “Having seen – and experienced – the great effects making music has on people’s mood and mental health, I’m thrilled to be involved in this project. I hope to be able to help share the great benefits of music, performance, and friendship with others”.

Leslie graduated with an honours degree in Acting from The Ohio University School of Theatre and was an award-winning actor in the States. Now living in North Wales, she continues to share her love for theatre with students, performers, and communities. She is passionate about diversity and inclusion, and for more than 20 years her work has focused on the many positive ways that active participation in the performing arts has on people's mental health and well-being. Leslie is the Founder and Musical Director of Acquire, a mixed-voice community choir in Rhuddlan. Since 2011 she has been the Creative Director for the award-winning Kaleidoscope Project (formerly the Inclusion Project) for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Other work includes teaching singing at Theatretrain and leading choirs for both Theatretrain and Choirs For Good. She loves working with students of all ages and has been a guest lecturer or visiting guest artist at primary schools all the way to performing arts colleges. “Toby, the team, and I have cultivated a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in Work in Progress. Because of this our members feel accepted, supported, and free to express themselves in a safe space -- while also having lots of fun! Seeing people’s confidence grow as they form friendships and achieve things they never thought possible is sopowerful. Everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard and talent that deserves to be shared!"

Caroline has worked in the field of Social Care for 35 years supporting individuals with learning difficulties and mental health issues and managing their support teams. She worked with a small group of individuals encouraging them to explore and participate in music which lead to a performance in front of an audience of hundreds in The Inclusion Project at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. “I do not have a musical background but I know how singing and music makes me feel. I am excited to be part of this project in the hope that others will benefit from the power of performance whilst being able to form new friendships in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment.”

Denise has had a varied career spanning over 45 years, working in the areas of finance, project management, marketing, and PR. For the last 20 years before she retired, Denise ran her own company which was involved in the education sector and the safeguarding of children and young people. Since 2010 she has been a volunteer in the charity sector. She is also a volunteer at a local children’s Hospice. In 2017 she facilitated the design and build of a Show Garden at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show to raise awareness of a charity and the medical conditions it represents. The garden was awarded the prestigious RHS gold medal and the People’s Choice award. “I have seen first-hand how disabilities, poor mental health, and social disadvantage can impact on people’s lives. I strongly believe that everyone deserves to have the best possible chances in life so they can achieve their potential to the best of their ability. Music and the arts have always played a strong part in my life and have helped me through some very challenging times. I have also seen the positive benefits that music and performance can have on individuals. I am very proud to be part of Work in Progress. My hope is that everyone who participates makes friends, has fun, and grows in confidence”.