Singing project to help people breathe better

If you have a long-term lung problem, you might be surprised to hear joining a singing group could help with your breathing problems and generally make you feel healthier and more positive.

Researchers have found regular singing as part of a group can help people with lung diseases by reducing feelings of being short of breath and help them manage their symptoms better.

‘Singing for Better Breathing’ has been funded by NHS Hastings and Rother Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as part of Healthy Hastings and Rother, a scheme set up to tackle health inequalities in the area. It’s part of the wider East Sussex Better Together (ESBT) programme, which is transforming and integrating health and care in East Sussex to achieve the best possible services for residents.

If you live in eastern Rother, you can join a singing group for free – no singing experience needed. The project is being run by The Music Well, a local community charitable organisation based in Rye, which runs a range of musical activities to support good health and wellbeing. Evaluation of the project is supported by researchers at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent.

The activity runs from March 6 for 12 weeks at three different locations in eastern Rother and family members are welcome to join.

Dr Stephen Clift, chairman at the Music Well, said: “Singing is a very good activity for people experiencing difficulties with breathing due to asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or other lung conditions. Everyone can sing, even if they think they can’t or are not good at it – so give it a go. Singing together in a supportive, friendly group can make a difference and help you breathe more deeply. The Music Well is delighted to have the support of the CCG, so that we can offer sessions free of charge.”

Sessions will cover a variety of breathing exercises and songs. They’re designed to be enjoyable and stimulating as well as to help with symptoms of a lung condition.

The sessions will be running at Camber Village Hall (Mondays, 11am-12 noon), Winchelsea Beach Village Hall (Mondays, 1-2pm) and Rye Harbour Village Hall (Mondays, 3-4pm). For more information and to book, call Di White on 01303 220870.

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