More long covid sufferers to benefit from new 12 week course

Arts for wellbeing charity Independent Arts is hoping to help more long covid sufferers with a new 12-week programme of a singing therapy with a proven track record of helping people with breathing difficulties.

The charity has been running Singing for Breathing groups for almost seven years – helping people with chronic respiratory illness and anxiety – but, increasingly over the last two years, it has been helping people with long covid.

Practitioner Amy says: “Although you might not have long covid, the outcomes of catching covid and other winter colds and flus if you already have a respiratory illness can really set you back. Singing for Breathing teaches you exercises and techniques to help you control your breathing, build lung strength and improve posture which can help you recover more quickly from the impact of these viruses. The programme has also proved highly beneficial to those living with anxiety related breathing issues.”

One recent beneficiary of a Singing for Breathing course said: “I used to lose my breath sometimes when I was out and about and it would make me panic. Now I have learned to control my breathing and I haven’t lost my breath since I started the course. I am much more confident now that I can manage my condition and feel well enough to go back to work.”

Results of a study conducted by ENO Breath (the English National Opera’s programme) into the benefits of singing for those living with long covid showed a marked improvement in extent of breathlessness and also in general mental wellbeing for participants. Independent Art’s own evaluation of Singing for Breathing participants shows over 97% of participants reporting that they feel much more confident in managing their breathing after completing the 12 week course.

Singing for Breathing is a 12-week programme designed by ‘The Musical Breath’ and the Royal Brompton Hospital and accredited by Asthma and Lung UK. Practitioner Amy Barnes undertakes regular training and development to keep up to date with the latest evidence of the benefits of the programme on those living with long covid and other respiratory illnesses.

To book your place on the next Singing for Breathing programme or find out more, please telephone 01983 822437 or use the ‘contact button below.