Singing group improves breathing and lowers stress

A singing group is helping people with respiratory conditions improve their breathing.

Singing For Lung Health supports patients who live with chronic conditions such as emphysema, long Covid and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

During the sessions, at St John's Church in Ben Rhydding, Ilkley, respiratory nurse Sophie Wallace teaches deep-breathing techniques and muscle control, as well as offering clinical advice.

Jean Eastham, who has COPD and emphysema, said: "I struggle to breathe, but I have found this course absolutely amazing."

Ms Wallace said the six-week programme aimed to help people strengthen their muscles and manage their breathlessness.

"A key element is enabling people to relax through breathing exercises and guided meditation, whilst singing and having fun," she said.

Susan Winter, who has COPD and who suffered a heart attack last year, is among those who attends the sessions.

"I live to breathe again, so I'm celebrating life," the 83-year-old said.

"The proper breathing techniques have helped me so much.

"The information on how to breathe the correct way and how to use the whole area of my lungs was very informative.

"My health has improved, and I love the singing!"

Mrs Eastham said she had seen her oxygen levels improve every time she attends the group.

"You just don't realise that you're not breathing properly until it hits you and it's too late.

"[But] there is help out there for people like me, so I hope other people out there can use these groups."

Ms Wallace said the group also provided moral support for its members, highlighting how shortness of breath can be extremely frightening, and how singing together can help rebuild confidence.

"Deep-belly breathing, extending the outbreath - and being able to apply these techniques at home when we're short of breath, these things are weaved into the singing, the music and words we use at the sessions," she said.

"But people also make friends and help each other.

"We've not only seen a massive improvement in breathing scores, but a similar reduction in anxiety scores too."

The programme is supported by Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven Alliance - with sessions running in October and January, when people are at their most vulnerable from respiratory diseases.

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