Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals (WHH) celebrates the first anniversary of its Singing Group, which is part of a transformative journey in stroke care.

WHH introduced a weekly Singing Group in February 2023, to complement its existing Shared Reading Groups, both of which are aimed at encouraging recovery, preventing deconditioning, and improving the overall quality of life for patients who have had a stroke.

Launched in February 2023, the Singing Group combines music appreciation, singing, and breathing exercises to enhance patients' wellbeing and engagement in therapy. Supported by occupational therapy (OT) and speech and language therapy (SLT) teams, this weekly program not only improves patients’ mood and also encourages patients to share music-related memories. The socialisation and communication encouraged by the group contribute to a more holistic approach to stroke rehabilitation.

The Shared Reading Group, which started in 2020, creates an opportunity for patients to engage in reading aloud, sharing thoughts, reflections, and even memories sparked by literature. Led by the therapy team, these weekly sessions offer more than just a mood boost, they support patients who may be feeling isolated during their stay in hospital.

Using visual mood scales before and after the sessions, evidence has shown an increase in patients’ wellbeing as a direct result of the group.

One patient on the Stroke Unit said: “Taking part in these groups has given me a chance to break away from my bed and chat with other patients. It's not just a mood booster, but a welcome break that helps me connect with fellow patients and keeps my spirits high. This group is more than just a part of my hospital routine; it's a genuinely enjoyable and mind-stimulating experience that plays a key role in supporting my mental wellbeing and positively shaping my recovery journey."

Speech and Language Therapist, Christopher Littlewood, said: “The therapy groups offer a holistic approach to patients' therapy during their stay on the Stroke Unit. There are some patients who have severe communication impairments, and the therapy groups give them the opportunity to interact through music and literature. This provides a great social benefit to those patients who become isolated because of their communication difficulty."