Newly-launched choirs in Dumbarton and Helensburgh are improving members’ mental health

A woman has told how newly-launched choirs in Dumbarton and Helensburgh are improving members’ mental health.Kate Pink, 26, has recently returned to Scotland having lived much of her life in England, helping to set up Lucy’s Pop Choirs initially in York and across England with Lucy McLean.However, after moving to Helensburgh, Kate wanted to bring the projects with her and has started two choirs, one in Helensburgh and the other in Dumbarton under the Lucy’s Pop Choir umbrella.Since starting her choir adventure, Kate has noticed how beneficial they have been for her members’ mental health, explaining: “I wanted to open one here because I love how uplifting it is and the community it can bring to people.“We have found that it massively improves mental health from our choirs in York.

I feel really passionate about it, and helping people, so I was really eager to get it started up here. We would like more members, and we are doing a special offer for January where if you bring someone along, you get a month free.“We want to help people with the current cost-of-living crisis.“It is a great benefit, and it is for everybody, you don’t have to be a great singer.

It is for people who want a sense of community, and somewhere to belong.“We have a lot of mums, teachers and nurses. We appeal to those who need a bit of me-time and somewhere where people may need space to enjoy something without stress.

Being able to bring people together through song is amazing, there is nothing like it, and I have never loved anything this much.“It is such a rewarding thing to see people come out of their shells and see them become more confident through music is so inspiring.“Ultimately music connects us all, so to see people grow from it is great.”