A new choir will offer a fun yet effective form of speech therapy for people with Parkinson’s in the Harrogate district.
It will be led by musician Rhiannon Gayle, supported by staff from speech therapy at Harrogate District Hospital.
Each session will offer gentle exercises and fun songs, as well as time to socialise, at the Green Hut on Harlow Avenue, Harrogate, each Monday afternoon.
Research has shown singing helps to improve breathing and voice control in people with Parkinson’s, and group singing is also known to improve mental health and wellbeing.
John Sheepy, chairman of the Harrogate and district branch of Parkinson’s UK, said he is keen to hear from more people with Parkinson’s who could benefit from the choir and the other activities on offer.
“We have 160 members in the branch, but the hospital have 750 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s on their records.
“We’re always trying to find the other mossing 600 – not from our own point of view, but from theirs, because Parkinson’s is a horrible thing to face without support.”
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As well as its monthly meetings, the Harrogate group offers numerous opportunities for members to stay active, from table tennis to crown green bowls, and even boxing.
It also organises talks from experts in fields relevant to Parkinson’s patients. On September 27, three leading speakers will look at advances in research, treatments and technology in a research projects discussion forum held by the branch.
The event takes place at the Masonic Lodge from 7pm, with a meal also available from 6pm at £10 per person.
For more information about the choir or other upcoming events, visit the Harrogate and district Parkinson’s website.
