Occupational Therapy students’ Singing 4 Breathing group get ready for second Royal and Derngate extravaganza

Singing 4 Breathing, a group set up by Occupational Therapy students to help people diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), have been booked to sing at the prestigious Royal and Derngate on June 12 as part of a community concert. This is the second year that the Singing 4 Breathing choir have performed at the event.

The choir features people who suffer from COPD; a lifelong condition that affects the lungs making it difficult for people to breathe. The choir’s origins lie in a student project – an initial run of six musical sessions attended by members of the public with COPD – and the project has now grown into a full and tuneful choir.

Chosen by Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire, the Singing 4 Breathing choir will be joining local dance and performance groups for the variety show. The singers will be accompanied by their patron international opera singer Alison Roddy for this performance, alongside and some of the UK’s finest musicians.

Co-founder of Singing 4 Breathing and alumni of the University, James Wyatt, explained: “The Singing 4 Breathing group meets every Wednesday for singing sessions at Parklands Community Centre. This group is amazing, not just for everybody involved but for the community as a whole. Singing is an occupation that many people enjoy and there are huge mental and physical health benefits to being in a choir. If lung capacity is improved it’s easier to take part in daily activities, get out of the house, meet people, and do the things you enjoy.”

“We’re really looking forward to taking to the Royal and Derngate stage again this year, alongside all the other performers!,” added James.

Singing 4 Breathing offer a free transport system for participants who might otherwise struggle to get to the class, aiming to stop isolation. Having recently worked with the University of Northampton’s Occupational Therapy (OT) department, the sessions also feature Free OT assessments, managed by students which enhance student learning.

Jenny Devers, tutor in Occupational Therapy at the University of Northampton, explained: “It’s amazing how on the back of a module assignment, with enthusiasm, commitment and passion students can develop their achievements into something that touches the lives of others! They are a credit to our university and profession.”

Tickets for the concert are available from the Royal and Derngate box office. Book early to avoid disappointment. The event takes place on June 12, starting at 7:30pm.

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Designed for people with respiratory conditions, the free singing sessions are held at Parklands Community Centre every Wednesday between 1-2pm. Formal diagnoses is not required to attend, and all are welcome.  Free transport is available for those who struggle with transportation but wish to attend – for information, contact James@singing4breathing.co.uk. The group are on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit their website: www.Singing4breathing.co.uk.