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With the Christmas and New Year festivities over and long winter nights still ahead, January can often feel pretty gloomy. To help beat the winter blues, Rock Choir is inviting adults across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to enjoy a free singing session at their nearest Rock Choir location. As well as being a fun, fulfilling way to grab some 'me time', singing is scientifically proven to make us all feel better!
‘Rock Choir is the largest contemporary choir in the UK, with more than
16,000 members across the country. A few weeks ago we asked them to tell us how being part of Rock Choir makes them feel,’ explains local Rock Choir Leader Kate Threlfall.
‘We've received an avalanche of emails! They re confirming that singing in Rock Choir is helping people to feel happier, increase their confidence and even overcome conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and depression. Members are also thrilled that they've made lots of new friends and are enjoying a varied and fun social life with us! So many have commented that Rock Choir should be prescribed on the NHS that we decided to give more people in the local community the chance to try it.’

Professor Stephen Clift, FRSPH is Co-Director of the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health at Canterbury Christ Church College.
He has been studying the health benefits of choral singing for a number of years, and there is evidence that taking part in regular group singing can significantly improve physical and mental health.

An increasing body of scientific evidence supports the value of singing for wellbeing and health, especially singing together in a group such as Rock Choir’, says Professor Clift. ‘Singing encourages deeper, more controlled breathing, giving the lungs an exercise work out.
Physically, improves posture and helps tone facial and stomach muscles.
Other benefits include a reduction in stress levels, boost to the immune system, improved mental wellbeing, enhanced concentration and memory and improved confidence.’
Singing in Rock Choir also involves making a commitment to attending regular rehearsals, motivating people to be more physically active. The active rehearsal and performance schedule has helped some members lose weight a much more exciting way than dieting!

As well as all the personal benefits it brings, singing in Rock Choir helps other people too. In 2012 Rock Choir performances and social events helped to raise an incredible 1 million for local and national charities.

‘Supporting charity means a great deal to us, and it's amazing that doing something we all enjoy is also helping others,’ said Kate. ‘We're aiming to help raise even more money this year and there are lots of exciting performances in the pipeline including our summer show at Liverpool Echo Arena. We'll be using it to support our two national partner charities, Missing People and Refuge.’

Rock Choir's free singing sessions start from 14th January and will take place at various venues and times. By clicking on the 'free taster session' link on the Rock Choir website www.rockchoir.com people can find their nearest location and book their session.
Doncaster sessions available.

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