Breathing Space is a wellbeing singing project run by Play On Performing Arts, offering two friendly groups that meet in our Activity Room on Wednesdays. The groups are open to everyone who wants to sing.
Singing together in a supportive group can help to:
You can come along to your first session for £5.00. After that, you can choose one of these options if you come again: pay as you go at £10.00 per session, or pay for a block of 5 sessions for £37.50 (a 25% discount).
Payments can be made by cash, cheque or bank transfer. Invoices and receipts can be provided on request.
If the person attending has care needs, a carer must be provided during the session. There is no charge for the carer, but we ask that they contribute by taking part in the activities and taking responsibility for the personal care of their own client or family member.
| Day and Time | Group | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 2.00–3.00pm | Dementia Friendly group | People with dementia, people with learning difficulties and their carers. Others are also welcome if they enjoy the ambience of the group. |
| Wednesday 3.30–4.45pm | Wellbeing group | A more musically challenging group, which also acts as a support group for people with a range of health and wellbeing issues. |
Wellbeing group participants:
“Breathing Space is building my confidence and returning my love for life. It has shown me what I can do and allows me to try again if I get it wrong. I don’t feel judged or disliked, just supported and a part of a whole. Having a condition that has always made me feel on the outside, I cannot express how it feels when, as part of a group, we make a beautiful sound. I feel an accepted part of that creation, and it is not a feeling I have previously been used to.”
“[I am] learning to accept compliments from others and store them away: definitely lifts the mood… learning to sing with others: learning to be more open.”
“I’ve been going to this group with Kate for the past year and have found it very beneficial, friendly and helpful. Recommended.”
“Thank you for changing my life.”
Dementia Friendly group — family members:
“I know these sessions are invaluable to her. She was a highly regarded musician and as she no longer plays, this is probably her only way of using her talent now, so we are extremely grateful that she has been able to join you.”
“Mum does enjoy it so much – I think she has surprised herself that she can sing.”
Dementia Friendly group — participants:
“Brilliant.” (asked to describe the project in one word)
“Kate has a lovely way of telling you that you are doing it wrong but without you feeling you’ve been told.”
Professionals:
“The sessions in general give a wonderful positivity. People join saying that they cannot sing, and Kate is able to get them contributing in a way that makes them feel they are able to sing.”
Helen Crumpton, Care Services Manager at Mayfair Community Centre
“I see clients that attend both groups benefit so much from them – one person’s confidence has grown so much that she is an advocate for the benefits and encourages other people to attend alongside her.”
Shaz Malins, Maysi Coordinator
For more information or to book a place, contact Kate Buttolph:
Harmony in the Hills is a Church Stretton based community choir and it’s open to all who love to sing or would like to learn. Alongside experienced singers, people who have felt excluded from singing because someone has told them they can’t sing are very welcome and make valued members of our community.
For more information please see https://harmony-hills-choir.uk
Weekly rehearsals: Thursdays, 7.30–9pm, in the Mayfair Activity Room.
There is a fee of £9.00 per session (block booking rate), with discounts available for family groups who want to join together. Young people under 16 are very welcome to come along accompanied by an adult.
For more information come along, or contact Kate Buttolph, Artistic Director at Play On Performing Arts.
Kate is a professional community arts worker and composer based in the Stretton area, who works across the Midlands and Wales. You can find out more about Kate’s work at playonperformingarts.co.uk.