A singing group aimed at people with breathing difficulties has been hitting high notes and keeping its members positive during lockdown.

The Sing Your Song group in West Kilbride aims to teach breath control through singing, which can help those affected by respiratory conditions including asthma.

The group is led by professional opera singer Rachel Hynes and is funded by the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

Rachel, who formed the group in October last year, says the fun classes can help residents with conditions complete everyday activities.

She said: “The group aims to teach people how to breath and support the sound as you sing, with research showing that this can help train the lungs that are damaged by respiratory conditions.

“These sessions are especially excellent for people with asthma, COPD, IPF, bronchiectasis and for those who just wish to stay fit and healthy.

“They are really good fun with vocal exercises, singing rounds, songs and enjoyment, and you don’t need to be able to sing to take part.

“This more intense breathing technique can help people in their everyday activities that people find difficult and can also help with speech.”

The group was forced online during lockdown, but Rachel believes this has had added benefits for its members.

She explained: “During times like these, people’s mental health is affected across the board and I think there is a real need for this kind of work.

“Hopefully we will get back face to face eventually, but I’m finding that some people with poor mental health may not have the confidence to come out.

“Just joining in online has been a great way for people to feel included in the group, so we may try and continue the online sessions going forward after the pandemic.

“Particularly with lung conditions, if someone develops an infection then they can’t come to the group so now there will always be that virtual option.”

With covid-19 being a respiratory virus, Rachel believes the work that the group does can have a positive impact on those who have suffered from it and also residents who struggle to wear masks.

She said: “Coronavirus rehab research is still in its early stages, but I would encourage people who are recovering to come along.

“It’s all about getting word of mouth to health centres and GP practices that this sort of work is going on.

“The group can help people with breathing while wearing a mask, which is a stressful but necessary activity.

“We do exercises to help with the anxiety of wearing a mask and learn how to cope with your breathing while wearing one.”

West Kilbride resident Kay Hall is a member of the group, and she is encouraging others to get involved online or in-person when the group returns to physical meetings.

She said: “I didn’t think I could sing but I thought I would go along and see what’s happening, you realise it’s such good fun, with a really positive and upbeat atmosphere.

“You get to meet new people in person and online, and that whole social side to the group was very nice.

“Almost every member of the group says it has improved their breathing dramatically, so it really works.

“It’s got double benefits with the enjoyment factor and the health effects, and you also learn some delightful songs along the way.”

The group currently has around 15 members and is inviting others to join, anyone interested should email Rachel at rachelehynes@icloud.com for more details.