The Singing Elf is a lived experience-led organisation informed by the experiences of most of our staff and volunteers. Since being diagnosed in 2003, Director Rebecca McGarvie has lived with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and associated conditions, including Fibromyalgia, Hypermobility, IBS, Depression and Anxiety. Rebecca’s symptoms fluctuate daily but include muscle and joint pain, extreme fatigue, poor sleep, headaches, dizziness and cognitive dysfunction (brain fog), as well as the impacts of anxiety and depression. Rebecca openly advocates on behalf of people with hidden disabilities and campaigns to raise awareness through telling her story publicly. This attracts people with similar stories to TSE and often encourages those who might otherwise feel unheard to take part.

Rebecca has 20 years’ experience in leading community singing, arts, theatre and events programmes. Formerly the founder and director of Melting Pot Arts (2005-2010) and Darlington Arts Academy CIC (2010-2013), Rebecca has delivered multi-disciplinary community arts, large scale singing and youth & community theatre projects across the North East. Rebecca founded the first community choir in Darlington in 2007, which evolved over time into four independent community choirs. As a vocal tutor, Rebecca has worked with people of all ages, from early years to older people in a wide variety of settings, both in the community and at large events such as training conferences.