Over the past year, the UCLH Singing for Lung Health sessions have brought joy, confidence and connection to people living with interstitial lung disease (ILD). These sessions were delivered through the ILD Patient Support Groups. Between November 2024 and November 2025, five sessions were held which included a taster session followed by four structured lessons with more than 65 participants taking part. Throughout the year, Breathing Matters invited participants to share feedback at each session to gauge interest, understand their experiences and ensure the sessions were providing meaningful benefit.
People came for many reasons: to improve their breathing, enjoy singing, meet others, support a partner or simply to try something uplifting. Most were in their 60s and 70s, and more than half had never joined a lung-related group activity before.
Why singing helps
Singing naturally encourages:
- Slower, deeper breathing
- Better diaphragm control
- Relaxed posture and movement
- Emotional ease and social connection
It is a gentle, enjoyable way to support breathlessness and wellbeing.
What participants experienced
Across all sessions, people most often described feeling:
- Relaxed
- Energised
- Connected
- More confident
Those who attended multiple times said each session felt easier, and several noticed improvements in breath control, mood and feelings of isolation.
Feedback about the instructor was consistently enthusiastic, praising the pacing, clarity, humour, and the combination of breath, movement and song.
“More sessions please!”
The most frequent comment was a call for more opportunities to sing. Many asked for:
- More frequent sessions
- Shorter gaps between them
- Slightly longer sessions
- Something regular to look forward to
The sessions clearly provided both physical benefit and a meaningful sense of community.
Looking ahead
Thanks to the generous support from a personal donation specifically for this group, we are delighted to confirm six Singing for Lung Health sessions in 2026. These will allow this programme to continue and for us to better understand how singing supports breathing, confidence and quality of life for people living with ILD.
A final note
Participants summed up the true impact of these groups in their own words:
- “Very helpful for breathing.”
- “Gives me confidence.”
- “Great fun!”
- “I feel less alone.”
Singing may not change the diagnosis, but it can transform the day, reminding us all that breath is not just a clinical measure, but a source of strength, expression, communication and shared humanity.
A big thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our questionnaires – your feedback has been invaluable in shaping the future of our Singing for Lung Health sessions and ensuring they continue to support and benefit the community.
[Posted December 2025]