Singing for lung health
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance are launching a series of ‘'Singing For Lung Health'’ sessions.
There is growing evidence that proves singing is beneficial for the health and wellbeing of those living with a lung condition. The activities the group will be doing have been specifically developed with respiratory physiotherapists to help patients.
The first session is on Wednesday 18 September from 10.30am-12 noon at the Lessof Auditorium, University Hospital Lewisham.
The sessions then take place every Wednesday until the end of November (with a short break in October). Dates are all listed on the website and ideally you’d be available to attend all, or most, of the sessions.
And don’t worry – we don’t expect people to be great singers, nobody needs to be embarrassed if they're not Pavarotti or Mariah Carey.
Who is this group aimed at:
People living with a long-term lung condition such as COPD, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. You may have finished a pulmonary rehab course or be looking for an alternative way to manage your breathing day to day. You do not need any musical ability to join the group, all levels of experience are very welcome.
What can I expect at the sessions:
Led by trained Singing for Lung Health practitioner James Moriarty, this group is designed to help people with chronic lung conditions to manage feelings of breathlessness whilst taking part in a fun, social activity in a friendly environment. A typical session will begin with a vocal and physical warm up to practice breathing techniques before learning and singing some well-known songs.
How will taking part benefit my health:
Research from the BLF (British Lung Foundation) has shown that there are three main ways that singing can help people with chronic lung conditions: teaching you to breathe more slowly and deeply - improving the sense of control over your breathing, reducing anxiety and panic - improving your posture to help you breathe.
Details of how to register can be found on the website – there is a google form to fill in – if you have any other questions you can contact Lizzy Green, Projects Manager, Learning and Participation at Trinity Laban on: 020 8305 3883 / email L&Penquiries@trinitylaban.ac.uk
You can read more on singing and lung health/wellbeing on the British Lung Foundation website: www.bfl.org.uk