Our five Sing For Better Health groups are for older people generally, and/or for those with long-term health problems. Their aim is to improve health and wellbeing, using a combination of specific relaxation/ breathing/ voice exercises, and singing songs together. We support people with long-term health problems cope better with daily life, help to prevent illnesses, physical/ mental deterioration and resulting social isolation. - - No singing ability required! - -
Winner of the 2014 Sector Star Award "for use of creativity to bring a particularly broad range of benefits to older people" Winner of the 2015 “Older People’s Award”
These are the results of our medical research project into the benefits of singing on health and well-being, conducted by a student at the Medical School of Sussex University, using our singing groups. Breathing and Posture: • 71.5% increased control in breathing
“It has helped me a lot in learning how to get over periods of breathlessness and get my breathing back into control”
• 24% increase in exercise tolerance
“I couldn’t go up a short flight of stairs without resting twice and I couldn’t go up the street I lived in, […]. since I’ve started the singing class, I can do both things.”
Speech:
• 14.2% increased vocal projection
“I’ve got Parkinson’s and it’s helped me feel better. I was never depressed but it has lifted my spirits even more and it’s helped me project my voice, and it’s given me confidence.”
Social and Mood:
• 81% created new friendships
“But what is good is we notice if someone hasn’t been well for a long time. We ask where they are and if they are alright. We care; we miss the people that aren’t here.”
• 19% felt able to join other groups
“I think a lot of older people. I know I do, just feel as if they’re a nuisance and in the way. When I am here I get over that quite easily.”
• 71.4% increased their sense of happiness
“It’s made me appreciate life and it’s good.”
Healthcare professionals and medication use:
• 24% decreased number of GP visits
“I feel that I’ve spent less time going back to my doctors with flare-ups of my COPD.”
• 9% decreased hospital admissions
“[…] have been able to stay away from my doctor and the hospital and avoid the use of antibiotics and steroids.”
• 19% decreased medication use
“I haven’t had antibiotics for at least a year now.”
Promotional Video
Our Mission
Singing in our groups profoundly benefits health and wellbeing – on many levels!
- It improves posture, breathing and lung function
- It fosters overall happiness and joy of living
- It reduces social isolation
- It lessens symptoms of diseases like Parkinson’s and Stroke
- It wards off depression and anxiety
- People fall ill less, leading to a reduction in medication and visits to doctors and hospitals