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Singing group boosting health and confidence

Julie Flanaganin Jersey
News imageBBC A group of older men and women are gathered in a warmly lit room, engaged in a communal singing activity. Some stand while others sit on red plastic chairs. They're all holding printed sheets of song lyrics. The setting suggests a welcoming community space, with a wooden cross mounted on the wall and a radiator visible in the background. The mood appears focused yet uplifting, as the group shares in the joy of music and togetherness.BBC
The Sparky Parkies and choir volunteers meet every week in Jersey

A singing group is helping islanders with Parkinsons or dementia be more confident.

The weekly singing sessions also help strengthen vocal chords and provide a "huge physical and confidence boost", organisers said.

Nicki Kennedy, who is the music lead for the Sparky Parkies group, said she had seen a huge difference "both immediately and also in the long term".

"We are working with the same people week in, week out and we can really see those tangible, measurable benefits," she said.

News imageAn older woman sits indoors, dressed in a dark sweater and a floral-patterned scarf. She's wearing glasses and has white hair. The setting includes a beige wall with a cross, a radiator, and an open doorway revealing a room with red carpet and several people in the background.
Ann Lozach, who has been living with Parkinson's Disease for 20 years, said the group was great fun

"Part of the afternoon is speech therapy, which is good for the larynx and helps you to sing better," Ann Lozach said.

She has had Parkinson's for 20 years and has been one of the Sparky Parkies since the group was set up five years ago.

The group uses song to help strengthen the vocal chords of islanders who've been diagnosed with Parkinson's and Dementia.

"We have so much fun. Nicki makes it very enjoyable", she said.

"We've done some nice things as well... we went out to Belcroute Bay and tied the boats together and sang shanties.

"It's something to look forward to at the end of the week. I've got quite varied things that I do and it's one of the more enjoyable ones."

News imageA woman with light hair and glasses smiles toward the camera. She is dressed in a textured light jacket with black trim. She is in a bright communal space with large windows, where several people are seated at tables. The setting resembles a hall or meeting room, with chairs, bags, and other items visible in the background.
Nicki Kennedy, the music lead for the Sparky Parkies said she had noticed changes in the people taking part

Ms Kennedy said: "People who perhaps when they first come are a little bit reticent, a little bit reluctant, are struggling with a weak voice, after a year or so of being in the group, we really see that confidence improving," she explained.

"That's a long-term measurable boost."

Sparky Parkies has received funding from a range of sources; including Jersey Community Foundation, Parkinsons UK, and from local fundraising efforts.

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