SINGING leaders from across England and Wales are helping hundreds of isolated people with with mini sessions.

Golden-Oldies Charity was forced to cancel all its 220 sessions last month.

It is now striving to maintain contact with older people through a variety of online options.

Mini Sing&Smile sessions are running online which are led by Rachel Parry and Cheryl Davies, based in South Wales.

The sessions are being accessed by 'Goldies' from across England and Wales.

A regular Thursday 2.30pm online session is receiving thousands of views plus many favourable comments from older people in their homes.

Hits of the 60s are sung and there are also regular weekly sing-alongs.

North Wales Pioneer:

Session leader Geoff recorded a song on the guitar called Forever Young

“We have been staggered by the response and we know that the family members of our Goldies are spreading the word to try and do our bit to reduce the loneliness in these very difficult times,” said Rachel.

The charity, better known simply as Goldies, started 13 years ago.

The charity runs singing and activity sessions. Those attending are older people who are socially isolated as well as people with learning difficulties and dementia.

Last week, Cheryl ran one of the session with her daughter.

The duo warmed up with My Bonnie and then moved on to Summer Holiday, Knock Three Times and I'm a Believer.

Session leader Geoff also recorded a song on the guitar called Forever Young.

The mini Sing&Smile sessions can be viewed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/UKgoldies.

Rachel and Cheryl will also try and take requests. Readers can send a message via Facebook www.facebook.com/goldiesuk or www.facebook.com/goldiescymru

Both Rachel and Cheryl can be contacted by email on rachel@goldiescymru.org.uk or cheryl@goldiescymru.org.uk.

The charity is planning to extend the regular sessions in the weeks and months ahead.