Let the choir sing

I’m not a ‘singer’ but I sing, a lot! People have commented that I have a habit of singing at the end of my sentences (something that I don’t do consciously).

I sing very loudly in the car, in the shower, and at home – but there was something missing. At the beginning of November, I contacted Gem at Relight My Choir after seeing some Instagram posts promoting the choir. She invited me to come along for a trial. Relight My Choir’s mission is to share the joy of singing – and all the mental and physical benefits that come with it.

There are numerous benefits to singing. These include the release of mood enhancing neuro-chemicals; using breathing techniques and correct posture to help reduce anxiety and stress; being able to express yourself by tapping into a range of emotions; pain relief; and increased confidence, to name but a few.

I turned up on a dark and wintery Tuesday night, a little apprehensive and was immediately made to feel very welcome. The choir was in the process of rehearsing for their Christmas concert to raise money for Dorset Mind.

No judgement

I spent two hours singing my little heart out without any fear of judgement. I went home feeling elated and found it quite difficult to sleep that night. Since then I’ve proceeded to tell as many people as I can about how much I enjoyed myself!

For me, the most important part of being in the choir is the feeling of community and camaraderie that is felt by singing together and harmonizing. This choir encourages everyone of all singing abilities.

Dorset Mind promotes the concept of the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing,’ which encourages the principles of connection, being active, taking notice, learning, and giving. In my opinion, singing in a choir ticks all of these boxes.

Last night was our Christmas Concert and I had spent the previous couple of days diligently practicing the set list. It included ‘Winter Wonderland,’ ‘Christmas Time (The Darkness),’ and the finale ‘We All Stand Together (Frog Chorus).’ It sums up everything about Relight My Choir.

As everyone that evening was encouraging and supportive, there was the feeling of bringing fun and joy to the event rather than worrying that we would mess up our lines. After we started singing I started to relax and had one of the best nights of the year.

I look forward to 2022 and to singing with my new choir ‘family’.

Heartfelt thanks…

Huge thanks to our blogger Catherine, for sharing her experience – and elation – in singing with Gem and the ‘Relight My Choir.’

Find out more about Relight My Choir and how you can join them by following this link.

Support

If you are struggling with your mental health and need support, follow this link. It’ll take you straight to our Help and Support section where you’ll discover 1-2-1 and group support we offer across Dorset. Please note that our services aren’t operating over Christmas as our staff need a well-earned break for their own wellbeing. 

Lastly, don’t be afraid reach out to those around you for support. Whether it’s a friend you haven’t seen in a while, your GP or trusted family members, people do care and will be there for you. 

In addition, there are organisations that can help you over the Christmas period, whatever your situation. Here’s a link to local and national resources by subject. 

For all information regarding Covid-19 and restrictions in the UK, visit gov.uk.