A group which uses singing to support people with lung problems is asking for help from the Hayle community as it seeks to win a national fundraising competition.

Breathing Space Singing, a health and wellbeing support group, is calling on people to support its work by voting in the Aviva Community Fund.

The group, which meets every week at Townsend village hall, helps people across West Penwith, who are living with long-term lung health conditions. Through singing, the group helps people improve their breathing, experience less stress, socialise and increase their confidence.

Singing leader and project director Pip Wright said: “People living with lung health conditions tend to exercise less, go out less, experience high levels of anxiety and depression and become socially isolated.

“Since the group started in March 2015, we have helped over 45 people gain some increase in control over their breathing through specific exercises, enjoy singing together, establish a new friendship group, increase confidence and self-esteem and feel less isolated and more part of the community.”

By voting online and showing support for the work of the group, local people can help ensure that Breathing Space Singing can get through to the next round in the Aviva Community Fund and be considered for vital grant aid to help them continue their work.

Breathing Space Singing has two trained singing leaders, support from a respiratory nurse and three volunteers. Funding would be used to continue to pay two trained singing leaders, as well as room rental, copies of songs/music, refreshments and petrol for volunteers.

Pip said: “Currently, our members make a small contribution to take part in the group each week and we want to ensure that anyone who needs to can come along.

“Funding from Aviva would help us increase our numbers and keep the sessions going so that more people can benefit from this new and valued service. Just a few minutes of your time, by voting for us online, could make a significant difference to someone else’s health and quality of life.”

To vote for Breathing Space Singing go to: community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/16-2019