Laura Wright becomes a Place2Be Champion

Award winning mezzo-soprano, composer and long-time Place2Be supporter, Laura Wright, has been announced as the charity’s newest Champion. 

Laura, who has supported Place2Be’s annual Carol Concert for several years, is well-known for being a national anthem vocalist at key sporting events and is the England Rugby team official anthem singer. Her composition works include ‘Heroes’ - the first official anthem of the England Women's Cricket Team- and ‘Invincible’ - written and performed to open the inaugural Invictus Games.

Laura strives to give back to causes close to her heart. For example, she runs music therapy workshops with veterans and military personnel suffering with PTSD. She has also supported Arthritis UK and the Nordoff Robbins charity, having received a Silver Clef award.

As a child, Laura developed septic arthritis which left her in a wheelchair for almost a year.  She also suffered from alopecia as a teenager, brought on by the stress of exams. These experiences very much shaped Laura and fuelled her passion for sport and fitness. They also underpin her desire to nurture children, equip parents with vital tools and skills, and support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

On Laura’s appointment, Penny Sainsbury, Place2Be’s Carol Concert Chair said:

"Laura has consistently gone above and beyond for the Place2Be Carol Concert. Since her involvement there has been a noticeable upturn in the quality of the evening, but much more importantly, in the enjoyment of the children taking part. Laura voluntarily goes into schools to work with the school choirs, making a big impact and developing an inspirational bond with the pupils. The children have so much confidence on the night and their enjoyment shines through. It's palpable and wonderful to see."

In a short article for Place2Be below, Laura reflects on the impact of music on mental health and wellbeing. 

The power of song and the impact of music for mental health and wellbeing  

I write this fresh from a workshop day at the Imperial War Museum, where I've been working with veterans on a response piece to an exhibition called ‘War and the mind’. Over the years, my passion for music therapy and using music as a tool to connect with others has grown considerably. More than just a passion to perform to an audience and connect through songs, it’s become a language that allows an openness where there are otherwise closed doors.

This concept has an even bigger impact on younger people and is sadly needed for many children. Group singing and performance has a huge impact on self-discipline, self-esteem, motivation, self-confidence, positivity, feel-good factor and above all – joy!

Seeing children begin to interact with one another through music is something truly unique, as a form of escapism but also a huge source of creativity. Since becoming a mother, the sense of duty to share my passion for music has only grown.

The bitesize knowledge shared on Place2Be’s Parenting Smart portal is something that has given me tools to help with my own children. We use music as an outlet at home but the techniques and ideas on the portal has shown me that I'm constantly learning about myself and my children.

Since singing at my first Place2Be Carol Concert, the relationship has only strengthened from there. A collection of like-minded individuals brings this charity together and the impact they have is huge.

I am also incredibly proud to have been involved in the Young Voices concert tours. These have raised awareness and funds for Place2Be over the last three years, along with delivering school rehearsal workshops, and visiting Place2Be school projects. I also fundraised to support Place2Be’s services during the pandemic through the release of my charity single ‘Can You Hear Me’ - a song about finding our way through the most uncertain of times.

Read more about Place2Be's Ambassadors and Champions