Hello, I've just joined.
I live in South West England (N Devon)
I have Parkinson's and have developed some speech problems which I am told by my specialist is sometimes a problem.
I think this is made worse by living in an isolated spot - no one much to talk to.
I've recently begun a series of sessions with a NHS Speech Therapist which includes Diaphragmatic breathing. All going well!

I used to sing with others( folk, choir, etc) but lost confidence for a while. Now getting back to it and keen to set up a self-help group of similar folk for therapy and social.
Does anyone have any previous experience of this please? Particularly keen to write and arrange songs to improve breathing control, and to improve vocal/mouth strength

Hi Ian,

interesting to read your message. I would also try your local Parkinson's support group (if you have one) for volunteers, although I imagine you may have done that already. I haven't been to the UK for a while, but seem to remember North Devon as possibly being a bit isolated in places. Check out our web-links page as there may be some contacts on there.

Good idea about the songs as singing is probably a great way to train people to have more awareness about breath control and diaphragramtic breathing.

Good luck with getting a group together. I am sure there are plenty of others out there in a similar boat, its just getting in contact that is the problem. Plenty of people look at this Forum, but not many contribute unfortunately, which I find quite exasperating. Never mind.

Hope all goes well mate.

Johan - icommunicate