Select a region
A recently-formed choir for people with chronic lung diseases is looking for new members to join and improve their lung health through singing.
The ‘Breathing Matters Choir’ was one of three initiatives set up by the Respiratory Team to support adult islanders with breathing issues.
The choir, which currently has around 20 members, offers free sessions for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
The group practises techniques to encourage deep breathing which can improve lung capacity and function.
Respiratory Nurse Specialist Karen Hughes said: "Singing has been clinically proven to be of benefit for people with breathing and respiratory conditions.
“We do lots of singing exercises like blowing through tubes which is great for clearing your chest and improving your lung function."
She added: “You don’t have to be good at singing. It’s meant for people who don’t have any experience.
"You can also bring a friend or relative along with you. It’s really informal and is meant to be fun.”
One choir member said: “The exercises really helped in showing me how to get rid of all that stale air.
“I am genuinely someone who cannot sing a single note in tune but that didn’t stop me enjoying the session.
"I am now even tempted to sing Edelweiss in the shower!”
The choir was formed through the Government's ‘Connect Me’ grant scheme, which was set up to fund activities for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The choir meets every two weeks on Mondays at 12:30 in the day room at Jersey Hospice.
Islanders can get involved by calling the Respiratory Team on 442238.
In addition to the choir, the team has organised two other initiatives: a walking club and a support meeting.
The friends walking group meets every Monday at 09:30 for a gentle walk on the promenade near Sands café in St Ouen.
And a monthly respiratory meeting for adults with chronic lung diseases is held in the Hospice day room on the first Thursday of each month at 13:00 and 16:00.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.