The Parkinson’s UK Harrogate Branch and the Speech and Language Therapy team at Harrogate District Hospital have developed an exciting new venture to address a common symptom of the disease, a quiet voice and this can be caused by poor breath control.
Working alongside Rhiannon Gayle, Musical Director of ‘Rock Up & Sing’ (a local community based choir), “Sparks” singing group has been set up for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
Research has found that choral singing can benefit speech by increasing breath capacity, raising volume and improving voice quality. There are also physical advantages such as improved posture and reduced body tension as well as psychological and social benefits, including relieving stress and building self-confidence.
The singing group has been running for nearly a year and has been a great success. The overall results have shown positive improvements in volume and breathing as well as overall psychological benefits including self-esteem and confidence.
The choir runs on a monthly basis and we would love anybody with Parkinson’s Disease to join us:
When: 1:30pm – 2:30pm every third Tuesday of the month
At: St Mark’s Church, Leeds Road, Harrogate, HG2 8AY
