A NEWLY launched Singing For Health programme is proving so popular a choir has now been formed.

Freedom Leisure operates Brighton and Hove’s seven leisure centres on behalf of the city council.

Its new singing for health and wellbeing group at Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre has proved popular since it was launched last month.

It will be undertaking its first public performance at the centre’s Older People’s Christmas Morning on Monday from 11am.

Centre manager Joby Johnson said: “The aim behind launching the programme was to use singing as a way to help reduce social isolation and aid good health in the area.

“But we couldn’t have imagined how much more it would do for our attendees, and the feedback has been truly wonderful.

“The best bit is that they have formed a close group and now count themselves as a choir – we are waiting for an announcement of their name any day now.

“Each year we run a Christmas morning event for older residents with some fun activities on offer to try out, finishing off with hot drinks and mince pies, and we are delighted that this year we will also have the group performing Christmas carols.”

Community singing has been proved to support good health, both physical and mental, and is also a great way for people who don’t normally get involved with community groups to do so.

Singing as a group is proven to improve disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Parkinson’s Disease.

Benefits to mental health are even more wide reaching with conditions such as depression, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and social isolation all improved by singing in a group.

Residents are invited to Monday’s event where boccia, bowls and badminton will all be available.

The sessions run each Monday at 11am and the group is looking for new members. Visit www.freedom-leisure.co.uk