Orrell Lodge Community Choir
Sefton
March 2024
Project information
Singing is more than just a pleasant pastime; it's a powerful tool for enhancing health and well-being. For many, it's a source of joy and fulfilment, providing a sense of purpose and connection. But beyond the emotional benefits, singing offers significant physical and mental advantages.
Regular singing exercises the lungs, diaphragm, and vocal cords, improving respiratory function and overall cardiovascular health. It also strengthens the muscles in the face, neck, and shoulders, helping to maintain good posture and reduce the risk of falls. On a mental level, singing is known to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function. It can even help to delay the onset of dementia.
To help create a sense of community at one of our Retirement Housing Schemes, Orrell Lodge, we collaborated with residents and the Scheme Manager to organise a series of ten choir sessions. During these sessions, residents enjoyed singing along to popular tunes while also learning breathing techniques to improve their overall well-being.
About One Vision Housing (OVH)
We are an award-winning housing provider offering high quality, affordable housing across Sefton, Liverpool, Wirral, Cheshire and West Lancashire. We currently manage over 13,000 homes across the region.
We provide a range of rental options from Rent to Buy and Private Rent, to commercial lettings of shops and social housing, creating equal opportunities for all. We were formed in October 2006, following a successful stock transfer from Sefton Council, and operate as a not-for-profit organisation, regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing.
As a member of The Sovini Group, One Vision Housing believes in providing good quality, affordable homes for rent and to buy, helping to create thriving and inclusive communities. We work closely with partner organisations to build a better future for our customers, supporting thousands of beneficiaries each year.
Externally recognised as a leading provider of homes and services, One Vision Housing is graded G1 for Governance and V1 for Viability by the Regulator of Social Housing.
Outcomes
The choir sessions were open to all 49 residents who currently reside at Orrell Lodge in addition to other Independent Living customers who live outside of the scheme. A variety of residents attended each session and said how much they enjoyed their time. They were keen to carry on the sessions and introduce new ways to connect as well.
Orrell Lodge will also soon be establishing a dedicated Social Committee. This group is responsible for organising a diverse range of activities designed to promote social interaction, physical activity, and mental well-being. From exciting day trips and engaging chair-based exercises to lively entertainment and community events, the committee will strive to create a vibrant and enriching environment where residents can connect, have fun, and stay active.
Orrell Lodge resident, Beryl had this to say:
I thought these sessions were most fun if you were feeling down, they soon lifted your spirits. If anyone was suffering with depression or feeling down they should join in. We enjoyed it and didn't have to venture out to take part as she came to us. Definitely a hit with us!