MSP visits South Ayrshire singing group that gives people their voices back

South Scotland MSP Sharon Dowey attended a session of Vibrant Voices, a popular local singing group for adults with communication difficulties, on Friday, 14 November.

Vibrant Voices is a friendly and supportive singing group for people with any type of communication difficulty offered across two locations in South Ayrshire. The group was founded by Fiona Burnett, a local speech and language therapist, and is funded by the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

The popular drop-in sessions, which are free to attend, are led by a speech and language therapist with the help of a healthcare support worker and dedicated volunteers. Live music is provided by a volunteer pianist, and song choices, which are drawn from a wide range of genres, include participant requests to promote engagement and familiarity.

According to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), people with communication difficulties often face emotional distress, isolation and barriers to accessing services. Singing interventions have been shown to improve mood, breath control, confidence and voice quality, and studies show clear benefits for people with conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Scottish Conservative & Unionist MSP Sharon Dowey said: "I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Vibrant Voices and seeing this fantastic project first-hand.

"I am so pleased that this initiative is available here in South Ayrshire and I would like to thank Fiona and the whole team for all the amazing work they do."

Glenn Carter, Head of RCSLT Scotland, said: "Vibrant Voices is a great example of how speech and language therapists think outside of the box to support adults with communication difficulties. By embedding therapists in the community, we can maximise people's opportunities for connection, prevention, improved mental health and quality of life."

Mark Inglis, Director of Health and Social Care in South Ayrshire added:"We are extremely proud of our Vibrant Voices project. The singing group has proven to have a positive impact on wellbeing, improvements in communication skills, memory, cognitive function, and a person's sense of identity. It is a real asset to South Ayrshire and we are delighted that this work is being recognised. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fiona and her team for their continued passion and dedication to this group."