Press release -
Special Stroke Choir uses the power of song to find their voices
15th December 2014
Special Stroke Choir uses the power of song to find their voices
The Petersfield Stroke Association Voluntary Group has formed an Aphasia choir and they will be performing for the first time on 20th December 2014 in the town centre. The group who all suffer from Aphasia will be singing a selection of Christmas Carols.
Aphasia affects people’s ability to communicate, whether it is speaking, reading, writing or understanding. Many survivors with aphasia report feeling lonely and frustrated following their stroke because people don’t understand them. There are 152,000 strokes each year and in the UK, and one third of all stroke survivors will have aphasia.
Mandy Souter, Communication Support Coordinator - South East Hampshire, said “Last year the Stroke Association found that a third of all aphasia sufferers wanted desperately to be able to say Merry Christmas to their loved ones. Many people ask how people who cannot speak can sing. Research suggests singing uses a different part of the brain than speaking, and the use of melody, rhythm and breathing control practiced whilst singing can help to support speech. We are looking forward to performing for everyone.”
The choir was the idea of two volunteers who play guitar for a musical sing-along of well-known songs, every few weeks at the Petersfield Stroke Association Voluntary Group. The group also has a volunteer who is a singing teacher and between the three of them, they have been supporting the group members, (most of whom have aphasia) to learn Carols over the last few months to perform in public.
The choir is made up of about twenty five members, which includes volunteers and Carers. The age range is fairly mixed; I believe the youngest is in their forties and oldest is late eighties.
The group will be performing outside Lloyds Bank in the Town Square at 2pm on 20th December 2014. Come along and hear them perform, have a mince pie with us and if you can make a donation.
Ends
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact
Cheryl Randeria on 07810 697957 or email Cheryl@clrcommunications.co.uk
Topics
A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
