James started the first group in Northampton and the number of singers has now risen to about 65 people who attend the weekly sessions. Groups in Corby and Wellingborough soon followed and now the Singing 4 Breathing group has about 150 members.
Research evidence has proven that singing can benefit people with COPD by working the diaphragmatic muscles and therefore helping to improve lung function.
Singing is also a fun way to practice deep breathing and a great way for people to come together to share their experience and gain support.
Soon after starting, James teamed up with Chris Startup a local musician who facilitates the group. Chris has a lot of experience, having been trained by the British Lung Foundation and he incorporates breathing exercises and singing into each session. In August 2017, Singing 4 Breathing expanded again, and we now also offer the only harmonica class in the UK designed especially for people with respiratory conditions.