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 Singing for the Brain sessions for Alzheimer's Society. Since 2019 Toby has been the North Wales Session Coordinator for the Forget-me-not Chorus, a charity whose work with music and singing for people living with and alongside dementia has been recognised around the world. in 2024 Toby was appointed Dementia Service Lead. He manages a dementia centre service that covers all six counties of North Wales, having one centre in each area. 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. He is currently working towards his Level 4 and then on to Level 5 in Social care. 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 since 1994, 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.”

I’ve got a BMus (Bachelor of music) degree from Goldsmiths University of London and currently work in education. I’ve always been deeply passionate about music and the performing arts, performing and writing my own music since I was 14. I found out about WiP when Leslie invited me to take part after she led some drama sessions with the pupils in my school. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but was delighted to find that it was such a fun and inclusive group that allows its members to share their experiences and flourish in creating something special for each other and hopefully for you, the audience.

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, inclusion, and making the performing arts accessible to all. 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. Leslie also teaches at Theatretrain and leads 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 powerful. The arts are for everyone, and 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.”