“If I can do that run in one go,
my breathing is in a good place.”
Singing for Breathing is a charitable organisation based at The Royal London hospital. It is a sociable group activity where techniques for breathing control and posture are taught through singing. The group is provided through charitable donations with no formal referral process or links to the trust.
Our President, Heather, joined Singing for Breathing some time ago, has found it helpful and enjoyable and joins performances at the Royal London Hospital to raise awareness of the group.
Leader Joanna Foster (pictured above) is an actress, singer and composer. Joanna also works with Singing for Breathing at the Royal Brompton, Harefield and other hospitals. Joanna believes that singing is everyone’s birthright, regardless of experience or ability.
Anna Moore is a respiratory doctor. Anna set up the group because she saw patients with chronic lung disease do preliminary rehab but what next? Anna has seen wonderful outcomes for people and great feedback too on the happiness that singing in the session brings.
Catherine Furlong is Patient Champion. Catherine originally found the group via Anna, who was dispatched to deal with her after a massive asthma attack.
Our session followed the same activities as a regular Singing for Breathing session: stretches, fun vocal exercises and awareness of the muscles that support breathing. Catherine commented, “If I can do that run in one go, my breathing is in a good place.”
We followed on with call and response songs from around the world, with movement helpful for projection.
The session ended with smiles all round.
A big thank you to Joanna, Catherine and Anna, whose talk has been given through funding for outreach to spread the word.
Singing for Breathing Royal London Hospital meets on Wednesdays at 1pm, singing songs from the 1960s and onwards. To find out how to join, please email singingforbreathingrlh@gmail.com
