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Abstract
In 2015 a national lung charity funded a 12-week pilot project in 10 UK locations called “Singing for Lung Health”. Giving a brief introduction to music therapy in an adult hospice setting, this paper will then explore how the music therapist worked in collaboration with the lung charity and the hospice to develop and run the choir after the initial 12 weeks of funding and will include what the potential benefits of singing in a choir can be.
Aims of the choir
To evaluate and monitor changes in breathing, confidence and general health and well-being using questionnaires provided initially by the lung charity and now in development with the hospice and the music therapist
To use and develop vocal and breathing techniques, originally geared towards those with lung conditions, for use with a wider client group including those with life-limiting conditions
To maintain and develop the choir to include hospice patients, carers, staff, volunteers and members of the public
This work in progress is
Bringing people together at the hospice from all walks of like, with or without a life-limiting condition
A partnership with the choir, the hospice and the music therapist which includes writing and performing a song together to promote the work of the hospice (this will be shared during the presentation)
Highlighting the potential health and well-being benefits of singing in a choir (including physical, mental, emotional and social benefits)
Promoting the work of the hospice to the wider community
This work in progress isTo conclude, the author aims to share this creative work in progress in order to highlight the benefits of singing in a choir, the unique collaboration between the music therapist, hospice and lung charity and thoughts around how this work may be evaluated in the future to ensure its success and continuation.
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