Tune up to get involved in choir which aims to improve health and wellbeing

People can find their voice with the help of a choir which aims to raise people’s spirits.

Healing Opportunities Sunderland (HOPS) Community Choir in Sunderland is coordinated by Lesley Barefoot and led by Linsday Hannon and is recruiting new members to ensure it goes from strength to strength,

Arlene Willetts, a member of the choir, said: “People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join this fun and friendly group.

“Singing is known to be good for both health and wellbeing.

“The choir sings a range of close harmony material including pop, gospel and traditional songs.

“The emphasis is on fun and lifting the spirits and you don’t have to be able to read music.”

The choir was launched in January and is ideal for those who love singing, but are unsure about joining a formal choir.

Anyone who would like to join in can call into the session at the Quaker Meeting House, at 30 Roker Park Road, on the corner of North Grove, from 7pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, September 14.

Admission is £5 per person and there is no need to book in advance.

Further details are available by emailing info@healing-sunderland.org.uk or ring (0191) 548 3722, with callers asked to leave their contact details if no one answers.

Details of sessions can also be found via its site www. healing-sunderland.org.uk or through its Facebook page.

HOPS was set up as a charity in 2008 to provide self-care courses and complementary therapy treatments, including several forms of massage, shiatsu, reiki and reflexology, with support offered to unpaid carers.