AN Inverclyde musician wants to introduce local people to the power of song in a series of new outdoor workshops in Greenock.
Well-known singer songwriter Shelagh Mackay Jones will launch Just Sing in the Drying Green at South West Library on April 19.
The free singing therapy sessions are for everyone but Shelagh says they will be particularly beneficial for people who have physical and/or mental health issues.
Across the ten weeks, Shelagh will take people through meditation, breathing, vocal and listening exercises with a focus on mindfulness and singing for enjoyment.
The singer songwriter, who was lead musician in residence in the garden for the Dandelion project last year, said she wants to help people learn about the benefits of singing for fun.
Shelagh said: "I’ve been singing all my life and I know the benefit of it.
"I know that anytime I’ve lost my voice, it has really affected me.
"You have your voice when you have nothing else and can soothe yourself by singing.
"It’s not about what kind of voice you have.
"People will get the chance to just enjoy the act of singing."
The Drying Green is Greenock’s Unexpected Garden which was set up in 2022 by RIG Arts in collaboration with the Dandelion project.
Shelagh’s sessions have been funded through the Inverclyde Windfarm Fund.
The musician said the workshops will help with aspects including stress relief, improved immune response, increased pain threshold, improved breathing and lung function.
She added: "Singing can help people cope with grief and can improve mental health and mood.
"It can also help with issues related to neurological disorders such as speech and memory difficulties.
"The garden is a beautiful setting for outdoor singing therapy and will really enhance the experience because participants will have the benefit of fresh air, flowers and other plants and it is a very peaceful place.
"We’ll be thinking about how the garden makes us feel and how we can make sounds in tune with the rhythms of nature
"Everyone is welcome to come along."
Sessions will run from 11.45am-12.45pm for 10 weeks.
To get involved in the project library.central@inverclyde.gov.uk or call 01475 712323.
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