Occupational Therapy graduate’s choir stands together for NHS song

A choir created by a University graduate to help people with breathing difficulties have seen their work recognised in a music video that is part of a winter NHS campaign.

The video and lyrics for ‘We Stand Together – Stay Well this Winter’ give seasonal health advice for people and is sung by Singing 4 Breathing and was developed with NHS Nene CCG and NHS Corby CCG.

The video includes information about the flu vaccination which is free for some, including those over the age of 65 and to look out for elderly relatives or neighbours health during the season and the song was written by musician Chris Startup.

The choir was created by Occupational therapy alumni James Wyatt in 2015 as a project for the second year of his course at the University of Northampton.

The group helps people with conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) increase their lung capacity as they often experience chronic breathlessness.

The group was an immediate success, winning a Heart of Northampton award in 2017. Their membership has grown to 100 members and they meet at locations across Northamptonshire and the group is open to all ages. They have also sung at national venues including Royal Festival Hall in London

James Wyatt said: “Singing in a choir, such as Singing 4 Breathing, not only improves someone’s physical well-being but it can also have psychological and social benefits. Meeting together and singing with like-minded people is great fun and many members say that the choir is the highlight of their week.”

Singing 4 Breathing will also take the campaign on the road, with live performances across Northamptonshire.

For more information, see the Singing 4 Breathing website or phone 07434 989146.

Follow the campaign on twitter by using the hashtag: #ImDoingItFor

Find out more about the Occupational Therapy (undergraduate) course at University of Northampton.