New singing group launches to improve wellbeing in Whitstable

12 Mar 2015

The inspiration behind Singing for Fun and Health came after a group watched the BBC's Inside Out focussing on Dementia, last October.The episode featured a singing group who meet in Whitstable's Methodist Church and is run by the Friends of the Hospital Group.Dr Kanagasooriam, a Whitstable GP, spoke of the benefits of singing and music for people, particularly those living with respiratory disorders, Dementia and Parkinson's disease and their carers and families. Founder of the new group, Pat Holland, said: "My husband is a musician and I also play recorders in an ensemble and love music and singing."My father was a drummer and to the end of his life he regularly played music at the Northgate Centre in Canterbury for the elderly and often at Age UK in Canterbury and in some care homes."I found myself thinking that we should start a new Sing for your Life group, as once a month is not very much, and it has snowballed from there."I've had so much encouragement and people offering to help on the day."The new group has also received financial support from various people, including the Whitstable Carnival Committee, which has meant they can purchase A Silver Song Music Box.Singing for Fun and Health starts on Wednesday March 18 at All Saints Church Hall, Church Street, Whitstable, on a monthly basis, from 2.30 until 4pm.The group is open to anybody who would like to come.It is an opportunity to sing some of the old favourites, songs from musicals and have a cup of tea and a chat.There is no charge to take part.