New Leamington Spa wellbeing class shares joy of singing

People in a town have been joining a new singing class to improve their mental health and meet other people.

Organisers said the 12-week free "singing for wellbeing" project was popular in Sydenham, Leamington Spa.

It is a joint project between the Sydni Centre, where it takes place, and Art Uplift.

Singing teacher Claire Fowler said: "Singing is a brilliant activity, it's great for physical and mental wellbeing."

"It's wonderful for breathing, it's great for vocal health.

"You always get people leaving the room feeling much happier. You can see the smiles, you can see the laughter and it's brilliant social activity."

Cath, who was among about 20 in a class at the centre in Cottage Square, told the BBC: "I just love singing. I'm not a brilliant singer but I just love being with other people and singing together.

"It's wonderful and the more people who join in the more wonderful it is."

Arts Uplift, a Community Interest Company, was founded by Jenny Davis, who worked in community arts for 22 years.

She said its projects aimed to use the arts to improve people's physical and mental health.

People joined the adult singing sessions for many reasons and they were for everyone, she said.

They began in Sydenham as the centre found there was interest in such a project.

"You're releasing emotions through the singing and you are getting involved with it," said Ms Davis.

"You are doing it as a group as well, it's a way of coming together. It's joyful."

The group takes place at 13:00 on Fridays.

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