From left: Julie Summers, Nicola Ellis, Helen Bright, Kerrie Newsham and Lucy Mitchell
A choir has been set up for people who have been affected by cancer living on the Fylde coast.
Blackpool Cancer Choir was developed by the Macmillan team at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, following an idea to engage with the community and with people who care for someone, are a relative, or a previous or present cancer patient.
The group is for singers and non-singers and it will be held on the first Wednesday of the month, starting on September 4 at Blackpool Carers Centre on Newton Drive.
The main idea of the group is to provide an opportunity to socialise and to tackle loneliness.
Free refreshments and car parking are on offer and there is an opportunity to meet new people who may be in similar situations to each other from different walks or life who can support each other.
Macmillan cancer professionals will be attending the groups to offer advice and support to people who join.
Helen Bright, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager, has brought the idea to life.
She said: “We are very excited to set up this group and we are hoping to build a regular group of singers who find comfort meeting new people and building their social interaction.
“People who are in cancer treatment or recovery can potentially become isolated and struggle to leave the house and engage in any conversations or activities due to feeling low or being exhausted.
“We wanted to set up this group so we could connect the community and form a group of people who have a joy of singing and to increase happiness.
“We have seen similar singing groups to support people living with dementia and there is research to show how much singing can help mental health and make a difference to people.
“Hopefully some hidden singers on the Fylde coast can join us in having a sing-song each month and who knows, we could even do some performances to inspire others.”
Group details: Taking place on the first Wednesday of the month at Blackpool Carers Centre, Newton Drive, FY3 8LZ, from 1pm-2.30pm.
Cost: We kindly ask for a £1.75 donation towards the cost of the room and refreshments.