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Singing for Lung Health (S4LH) Pilot

Breath of Fresh Air Choir

In 2022, we were successful in being awarded funding via the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Managed Covid Recovery Fund to enable us to work in collaboration with The Gregson Centre, a community arts centre in Lancaster.  We ran a 12 week pilot evaluation held on a fortnightly basis at The Gregson Centre for people living with a range of respiratory conditions.   Succession funding was awarded via the Population Health Investment Fund for the choir to continue into 2023.

 

S4LH Pilot Evaluation Infographic 2022

Breath of Fresh Air Singing for lung health choir "My breathing improved after the sessions and I had a lift to carry me through the week" What? Bi-weekly choir for people with lung conditions, led by trained choir leaders. The choir was delivered through a partnership between Queen Square Medical Practice and The Gregson, Lancaster. Funded by NIHR CRN NWC. The choir was named 'Breath of Fresh Air' by the participants. Who? People with lung conditions reached through Queen Square Medical Practice (15-20 regularly). Coordinated by: Elley Sowerby (QSMP) and Rachael Eastham (The Gregson). Led by: Charlie Brown and Janet Swan. Supported by Alison Bird and Catherine Townsend (QSMP Nurses) and Morecambe Bay Respiratory Network. "So much more fun than getting another prescription!" Why? There is evidence that singing is good for people with lung conditions like asthma and COPD helps improve quality of life. Generally. creative activities can help boost positivity. Taking health support into community settings outside of clinical spaces can also be beneficial and offers a holistic approach consistent with the aims of social prescribing. How? Co-designed delivery with participants (time, day, songs, name etc.). Digital sessions initially at the request of participants to limit risks of Covid-19 moving to bi-weekly meetings face to face at the Gregson Centre. Choir involves breathing and relaxation exercises and songs selected to help improve breathing management. “It's a shame the choir will stop due to lack of funding now we are getting to know each other. We sang most beautifully, you'd have never guessed we all have lung health problems" What next? There is evidence that singing is good for people with lung conditions like asthma and COPD helps improve quality of life. Generally. creative activities can help boost positivity. Taking health support into community settings outside of clinical spaces can also be beneficial and offers a holistic approach consistent with the aims of social prescribing. Funding application submitted for succession funding from the Population Health Fund. This will be bolstered by the provision of a 'winter warmer' social café and optional health programme to address health inequalities e.g. nutrition sessions. Currently awaiting funding outcome decision.

“My breathing improved after the sessions and I had a lift to carry me through the week”

“So much more fun that getting another prescription”

 “It’s a shame the choir will stop due to lack of funding now we are getting to know each other.  We sang most beautifully, you’d have never guessed we all have lung health problems”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In June 2023, our Research Development Nurse, Elley Sowerby and Singing for Lung Health Choir Leader, Charlie Brown gave a conference presentation at the University of Central Lancashire to NHS Nurses and Allied Health Professionals about the development and progress of the ‘Breath of Fresh Air Choir’ so far alongside plans for the future.

 

More Information

For an informal chat or to ask any question, please email choir lead Charlie Brown at breathoffreshair@gregson.co.uk  or via the Gregson Centre website

Date published: 17th March, 2022
Date last updated: 26th July, 2023