We do a mixture of gentle vocal and movement exercises, some seated circle dance with backing, plus singing some old and new songs including folk songs and action songs. We also use percussion with the singing too. There are three main groups of people at the sessions: the people who are living with Parkinson's, their carers and then the volunteers and support staff who run the sessions. They all benefit from the singing activity in different ways.
Every session is different as they have visiting speakers, seated yoga, physiotherapy, tea and biscuits, information sharing and general support. The singing and music is the one activity they all get to do together as one group. I started in May 2017 and since then we've already seen an improvement for people's singing and movement. And its enjoyable too. It really lifts people's spirits.
Info about the group is available via the following link. If you know of anyone who would benefit from going along to this group, please pass this on - thank you.
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/local-support-groups/regions/south-england/portsmouth-branch
photo credit: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-20/singing-to-beat-parkinsons-disease/8456998
