I have posted the information below on behalf Katey Project Officer Centre for Performance Science
Join our choirs!
‘Sing With Us’ is an exciting project looking at how singing in choirs can benefit those who are affected by cancer, including patients, staff, carers and bereaved. We are inviting people to join free choirs in London led by Tenovus Cancer Care, and exploring whether taking part can affect mental health, wellbeing, quality of life and social support. In particular, we are looking at people who have breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. The project also forms part of new research led by the Royal College of Music & Imperial College London. This is a great way to meet other people and enjoying singing, or you can just pop along for a cuppa! (No musical experience required!)
Just wondering if you know of anything like this in other parts of the country as I think it’s a fantastic idea. I live in the West Midlands & haven’t heard of anything similar. Anita
I can certainly “sing the praises” of the benefits of joining a choir. After being diagnosed and going through treatment for the 2nd time with breast cancer I was asked by my Breast Care Nurse if I enjoyed singing. She had recently formed a choir made up entirely of ladies who had either had BC or were going through treatment for it.I was feeling very tired and anxious after the end of chemo but decided to give it a go - especially as a couple of ladies from the choir had come along to a Moving On course I attended and were really enthusiastic about it. As the choir used a venue nearby to me in Farnborough I went along to a session, albeit with a lot of apprehension and doubt but I can truly say that it has been one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. It is a combination of a support group, finding new friends who have a common bond , lots of laughter, a few tears, uplifting singing and a time to forget one’s problems or to share them if it helps. Our choir is called" Kindred Spirits" and no-one is turned away - no auditions, so quite amateur, but we don’t make too bad a sound - even been asked to sing at a few weddings which has been delightful. I can thoroughly recommend joining a choir as you can get sooooo much out of it.