Local housing association tackles loneliness and isolation by forming an intergenerational choir for older people

Local housing association tackles loneliness and isolation by forming an intergenerational choir for older people

Pickering and Ferens Homes has collaborated with an NHS health partnership to establish a new choir made up of older people and school children in a bid to tackle loneliness and isolation.

The housing association is working with Hull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to encourage residents to form a choir and take part in rehearsals taking place over a period of 11 weeks to bring this project to life.

NHS Hull CCG has responsibility for the commissioning of health services to meet the reasonable needs of the people of Hull. Our vision is to create a healthier Hull, and in order to achieve this we work in close collaboration with our partners to improve health, reduce health inequality and secure excellent services for all the communities in Hull.

Claire Warren, Chief Executive at Pickering and Ferens Homes in Hull, said: “This project is yet another example of Pickering and Ferens Homes’ innovative approach to tackling loneliness and isolation in older people. It is through projects like this that we encourage more residents to come out of their homes and take part in an activity that is sociable and rewarding.”

The Pickering and Ferens Homes Choir will join forces with Age UK and local children to take part in the event. Residents have already demonstrated an interest in taking part in this choir, with a number of residents already furiously rehearsing.

Ann Matchett, who has joined the choir, said: “I wanted to join after seeing the children sing at the Residents’ Show, they were absolutely fantastic. I’ve always sang to my children and I enjoy doing it, so I thought I would enjoy being part of the choir and we are looking forward to singing with the children.”

The intergenerational choir will perform at Hull City Hall on 26 March 2015.