X Factor winner Sam Bailey has given her support to adults with learning disabilities to record a version of Do They Know It's Christmas.
The song introduced by Sam, has been produced in conjunction with Meadow Barn View, a skills centre for adults with learning disabilities based in Whitwick and disabled adults throughout the county who have used sign language to interpret the song.
Members of the Wigston Amateur Operatic Society, which performs high-profile, local musical productions at The Little Theatre, also joined to support in the Christmas single.
Sam Bailey said: "I am very very excited to be involved in this, we just wanted to make people happy and put a smile on people’s faces."
Funded by the National Lottery and supported by Leicestershire County Council, the song is part of of a bigger project called MY MIND, which is a support package of online activities, loaned out iPads and a new app designed to help adults with learning disabilities who have become isolated as a result of Covid-19.
Owner of Meadow Barn, Lynda Toon MBE, said: "It's been a difficult year for all of us, but especially so for adults with learning disabilities. They need routine and structure to their lives and struggle to thrive when that is removed.
"When we told people that Sam Bailey was supporting this song, we were overwhelmed by the positive response from people across the county wanting to be involved. It has been wonderful to work in partnership with Leicestershire City and County Council colleagues in health, social care, the voluntary, private sector, carers, local communities and people who use services in creating this song.
"It is just one piece of the jigsaw in our collaborative approach to breaking down barriers and developing creative ways in which people with learning disabilities and/or autism and their carers can come together to be heard. Every voice counts! A very big thank you to everyone."
A WAOS member who feature in the song said: “At a time when theatres are closed and the arts sector is in crisis, we have been able to join with others in doing what we love to do – sing.
"This project really demonstrates the power of music in bringing people together and spreading joy during challenging times.
"We have loved being able to share in this project with such talented, enthusiastic and inspirational individuals and hope we can do so again in the future.”
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