Darlington retirement village residents boost wellbeing through singing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 08:32 · Archive

Residents at a Darlington retirement village are keeping active through weekly singing sessions led by a professional singer.

Residents at Middleton Hall Retirement Village in Middleton St George are keeping active and boosting their wellbeing through weekly singing sessions. The sessions, called Singing for the Soul, are led by Ayme Fitzgerald, a wellbeing coordinator and professional singer with more than 30 years' experience. They are open to residents in independent homes, supported apartments and care services.

Each session combines vocal exercises, breathing techniques and movement with familiar songs. Ms Fitzgerald said: 'The exercises can help strengthen the muscles used for singing and breathing and residents also enjoy a hand jive or get up to dance at the end of the session. Familiar songs can spark conversations and recollections, while singing together gives residents an opportunity to socialise and feel part of a shared experience.'

Sam Wilks, a commis chef at Middleton Hall who studied performing arts at Stockton Riverside College, often brings live music to the sessions. He said: 'I offered to come along and play because, like Ayme, I know what music does for people. I can see the difference it makes to our residents even if they can't express it themselves.'

How it is being reported

• How Darlington retirement village residents are finding joy through singingResidents at a Darlington retirement village are keeping active and boosting their wellbeing through weekly singing sessions led by a professional singer.The Northern Echo · 25 Oct, 08:00
• How Darlington retirement village residents are finding joy through singingResidents at a Darlington retirement village are keeping active and boosting their wellbeing through weekly singing sessions led by a professional singer.Darlington & Stockton Times · 25 Oct, 08:00

In this story: Middleton Hall Retirement Village · Middleton St George · Ayme Fitzgerald · Sam Wilks

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