Vibrant Voices expands to new locations in South Ayrshire

South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) are delighted to announce the expansion of their popular Vibrant Voices singing group to more locations throughout South Ayrshire. Due to popular demand their initial group has relocated to a larger venue as well as being introduced in two new areas to help bring this musical support to more communities in the area.

Vibrant Voices is a friendly and supportive singing group for anyone with any type of communication difficulty. The group was introduced by Fiona Burnett a Speech and Language Therapist in South Ayrshire who applied for funding to pilot this group through innovation funding available through the HSCP's Integration Joint Board.

Vibrant Voices was first introduced at Biggart Community Hospital in Prestwick. The group is completely inclusive, for any adult (aged 16+) living in South Ayrshire. People with different types of communication difficulties attend weekly alongside family members, friends and carers.

Linda Semple, Chair of the Integration Joint Board said, "Fiona and her team brought a proposal forward to the Integration Joint Board to establish Vibrant Voices. Highlighting the benefits of group singing for people with communication difficulties including the positive impact on wellbeing, improvements in communication skills, memory, cognitive function, and a person's sense of identity"

"The board was extremely impressed with the groups ambitions and were encouraged to see this practical example of fulfilling the ambitions and aims of the HSCP as a whole. The groups principles are a perfect example of our Wellbeing Pledge in action."

The group saw very positive responses from members, with the majority of people attending on a weekly basis. Membership expanded over time, supporting members with a variety of conditions which have caused communication difficulties including Parkinson's Disease, dementia, stroke survivors, people with learning disabilities, and people affected by dysfluency and voice difficulties.

As Vibrant Voices gained popularity, the group has now relocated to a larger venue in Ayr to meet the demand for attendance. A decision was also made to expand the reach of this group to other areas of South Ayrshire. With ongoing support, and further investment, Vibrant Voices is now available in three locations: Heathfield Community Centre (Ayr), The Carrick Centre (Maybole) and Girvan Library.

Fiona Burnett, Vibrant Voices Lead added, "Vibrant Voices is an innovation like no other in South Ayrshire - it is a group of inspirational adults with many different kinds of communication difficulties, who are not defined by their diagnosis. Our members make Vibrant Voices the success it is - they are all so supportive of one another."

"People come together to connect with each other and feel uplifted. I am very honoured and extremely grateful to have the privilege of being part of this inspirational group. We are committed to the members of our group and their families to provide an inclusive, supportive space for them to enhance their communication, confidence and wellbeing."

If you would like to join the Vibrant Voices community in any of the three locations, it is free to attend and requires no booking. Please feel free to bring a partner, friend or relative. No musical ability necessary to participate - just a willingness to try and to have some fun.

Vibrant Voices locations:

• Every Friday
  Heathfield Community Centre, Ayr
  2:00pm to 3:00pm

• Every Tuesday
  The Carrick Community Centre, Maybole
  10.30am to 11.30am
   
• Every Tuesday
  Girvan Library, Girvan
  1.30pm to 2.30pm

Feedback from current members:

• What a wonderful, inclusive group! Everyone is made to feel so welcome and supported.
   
• This has been a lifeline to me - thank you so much. 
   
• I really enjoy choir, singing makes me feel better. I've been every week since it started!
   
• This is the highlight of my week! I look forward to coming and always feel better when I leave! Thank you very much.
   
• Everyone is so friendly and welcoming! It's a really supportive group and I enjoy coming along every week.
   
• Coming to choir has helped my confidence with my speech.
   
• Lovely bright and fun hour spent with the girl I look after. She loves it and actually so do I.
   
• I can't sing, but I absolutely love coming here to join in!