Our four popular Sing For Better Health groups are for older people, or those with long-term health problems, e.g. breathing difficulties, Parkinson's, Stroke, Depression. They are also a great chance to make friends and have fun. No singing ability is required. The groups' aim is to improve health and wellbeing, using a combination of relaxation/ stretching/ breathing exercises, and singing songs together. Since lockdown in March 2020 we have been running our groups via Zoom. They have been a lifeline for our singers (please see our testimonials:
https://www.singforbetterhealth.co.uk/testimonials/testimonials-zoom). Our singers have grown even closer since lockdown, with many of them attending all four groups per week. They chat, joke and laugh between songs - a very uplifting and supportive atmosphere!
Zoom has made it possible for everyone to attend - even singers who are too frail or disabled to travel to venues.
Why the community needs ushttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgJokbZVA8w
Singing profoundly benefits health and wellbeing - It improves posture, breathing and lung function, and It strengthens the immune system - particularly important at this time of Covid! People fall ill less (reduction in medication, visits to GPs & hospitals).- Singing improves mood, relieves depression and isolation, reduces stress levels- Singing boosts confidence and stimulates the brain. See below the results of a research project, using our groups, and
www.singforbetterhealth.co.ukOur impact on the communityResults of a Sing For Better Health research project of Medical School of University of Sussex: Breathing and Posture: 71,5% increased control in breathing, 24% increase in exercise tolerance. Speech: 14.2% increased vocal projection. Social and Mood: 81% created new friendships,19% felt able to join other groups, 71,4% increased their sense of happiness. Healthcare professionals and medication use: 24% decreased number of GP visits, 9% decreased hospital admissions, 19% decreased medication
We would love drivers, also helpers to collect residents from within the sheltered housing venue, and to help them to get to the singing group. We urgently need volunteers to help with fundraising.