PEOPLE with Parkinson’s Disease are being taught to improve their speech by combining voice therapy with singing at Airedale Hospital.

A new six-week course is being organised by Debra Borsley, speech and language therapist at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, working with singer Rhiannon Gayle and backed by the Skipton branch of Parkinson’s UK.

The course started at the beginning of this month (November) and will run until December 8 at the Aire Unit in the Trust’s Day Hospital for the Elderly.

The course aims to improve vocal loudness, pitch range and control, breath control, facial mobility and also to have an impact on confidence and wellbeing.

12 men and four women, aged between 60 and 78, are benefitting from the therapy.

Debra said: “Many people with Parkinson’s Disease have a quiet voice. Sometimes they can sing loudly but when it comes to speaking the level of their voice drops.

"There is evidence that intensive voice practice can have a significant impact on vocal loudness and so we are trying to help them combine voice therapy and singing to improve day to day conversation. "Singing can also have a very positive impact on people's mood and wellbeing.

“The course is very prescriptive and it is a lot of hard work with homework every day. We are very fortunate to have Rhiannon Gayle as a singing teacher. She has a considerable musical background and is extremely enthusiastic, with lots of energy and drive."