Tune up for Sing for Life choir

This hugely successful partnership between Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast was set up last year for anyone affected by cancer.

There are now around 100 choir members with 45 to 50 attending weekly practise at the Moravian Church, University Road, Belfast. The first practise of the new season will take place on Monday August 5 at 6pm. The choir meets each Monday and new members are welcome any time.

 Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services, Cancer Focus, said: “Sing for Life is the first choir of its kind in Ireland and we are very proud of the excellent progress it has made.

“The choir has really taken off and has proved to be very popular with patients, their relatives and carers. We would love to see even more people coming along and joining in the fun. You don’t need any experience and it doesn’t matter if you are a brilliant singer or just sing in the shower – every voice is important - and there are no auditions to worry about.

“We start our get-togethers with a cup of tea or coffee and a chat at 6pm and that warms us up for our practise. We hope you’ll learn some new singing skills but the emphasis is very much on meeting people and having fun and enjoyment,” she said

 “Research from Wales shows that singing in a choir can be extremely therapeutic for cancer patients as it improved quality of life and self-esteem, and helped with pain relief and coping with depression. Our members seem to bear that out and they often tell us how much they enjoy the choir.

“We sing mostly up-beat, uplifting songs, and give small concerts which we find give the singers focus and motivation – and ticket sales help our fundraising too, which is an added bonus.”

Dr Keith Acheson, Manager of the Crescent Arts Centre, is the choirmaster.  “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cancer Focus Northern Ireland in the development of this very special choir. This is one of many initiatives that our Outreach Department provides to the local community,” he said.

"The choir has grown from strength to strength and we have already held several public concerts, which have been warmly received. “We aim to foster a relaxed environment in which every voice, trained or otherwise, is truly valued.”

Anyone who would like to know more about the choir or any other Cancer Focus service please contact Leonne Morrison on 028 9068 0751 or email care@cancerfocusni.org. For more information about the Crescent Arts Centre contact Ann Feely on 028 90 242338 or email outreach@crescentarts.org

 Cancer Focus also provides a wide range of other free services including a bra-fitting service, yoga, art therapy and journaling, Beauty for Life, information and support Helpline (0800 783 3339), walking groups, Family Support Service and a driving service for patients who need to get to hospital appointments.

 The Crescent Arts Centre is a diverse community arts centre, situated at 2-4 University Road in south Belfast. It has served the population of the city and beyond for over 30 years with a wide range of arts and cultural activities spanning visual art, drama, music, crafts, theatre, dance and movement. The centre underwent an award-winning £7.2m refurbishment in 2008/10 and programmes high-quality live music, theatre and over 250 weekly classes in all art forms. This project continues the centre’s long track record in community outreach work.