‘On Wednesdays, I let everything go’

21 April 2026

For Sam Roberts, Wednesdays have become sacred.

At 60 years old, with a lifetime of public service behind her, Sam knows better than most the emotional weight of supporting others. She joined policing in 1988 and dedicated more than 30 years to the service, the majority as a sergeant.

After retiring in 2018, her commitment to supporting officers didn’t stop. She moved into lecturing and later joined the Police Federation as an equality trainer and learning and development supervisor.

That emotional investment can be all-consuming. Which is why, when the North Wales Police Choir was founded in June 2024, Sam took a chance and joined. Here, Sam tells how singing nurtures her wellbeing and provides her with the escape she never knew she needed.

 

 

“Singing with the choir is my release. It’s my time to let go. For two hours of practice, I forget everything. I come out smiling. It lifts me emotionally,” said Sam, who admits the nature of her job means she carries a lot of emotion.

“I do the job I do because I care and I want to support others. But that means I’m required to be compassionate and empathetic all of the time.”

Choir rehearsals, held every Wednesday evening at Headquarters, have become more than just singing sessions. They are an opportunity to step away from responsibility and simply be present.

“I used to sing when I was younger, but I hadn’t done anything for years. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first joined,” continued Sam.

Choir

“We all stood there - dozens of us, in one room. Some of us had sung, others hadn’t and I remember thinking, we’re never going to be able to string a note together - but we did. By the end of the session, we sounded like we all knew what we were doing.”

The choir is made up of around 60 people, of all ranks, roles and responsibilities.

“When we sing, we’re all as one,” Sam said, adding: “Rank doesn’t matter. Job roles don’t matter. We’re just people creating something beautiful together.

“There are people who had never sung before, who now sing solos. It’s life-changing. It builds confidence in ways you don’t expect.”

 

 

As an alto, she’s part of a close-knit section she affectionately describes as ‘a band of merry ladies’.

She said: “We help each other, laugh together, and support one another to find the right notes. It’s so much fun - and it’s incredibly therapeutic.”

But the benefits go beyond music. Through the choir, Sam has formed friendships she never expected: “I’ve met people I would never normally meet. There’s something very special about coming together and producing this shared sound. It connects you.”

Since its formation, the choir has gone from strength to strength. Members have performed at Emergency Services carol services and Chief Constable’s Awards ceremonies, and even entered competitions. Their latest competition saw them scoop third prize, a proud achievement felt by the entire group.

“Singing in front of an audience gives you such a sense of pride,” Sam said. “You want to show people what you can do.”

Rehearsal

For Sam, the impact on wellbeing is undeniable: “I walk out after rehearsal with a smile on my face. My whole persona feels lifted.

“I’ve definitely got the bug for singing now.”

And her message to anyone considering joining is clear: “Just come along. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never sung before. You’ll be welcomed. You’ll gain confidence, friendships, and joy. It’s one of the best things I’ve done.”

Join the choir and be part of something special

The North Wales Police Choir welcomes everyone - officers, staff, volunteers and retirees - regardless of experience.

You don’t need to read music, and you don’t need to have sung before. 

Rehearsals take place:

• When: Every Wednesday

• Where: Headquarters

• Time: 7pm – 9pm

READ MORE...stories like this in the new Federation magazine.