Find Your Voice, Find Your Joy

Today we want to share something that means the world to us.

It’s a group we don’t often shout about publicly, but one that brings so much joy, strength, and connection to everyone involved.

It’s our Parkinson's Family Singers Group - and for Beccy, it’s the highlight of every Monday.

So, what is it?

The Parkinson’s Family Singers is a weekly singing group we run on behalf of Parkinson's UK (Kettering Branch). We meet every Monday afternoon from 1.30-2.30pm at North Park Pavilion in Kettering.

It’s open to those living with Parkinson’s - but it’s not just about the diagnosis.

It’s a group for families.

For carers.

For people who’ve lost someone.

For anyone who needs a space where they can just be - held by music, community, and kindness.

Why singing?

Here’s the truth: music goes where words can't. 

And when it comes to conditions like Parkinson’s or dementia, parts of the brain start to shut down.

But singing? That taps into different neural pathways than speech.

That’s why some people who can no longer speak… can still sing.

Let that sink in for a moment.

Imagine being a partner, sitting beside someone you’ve loved for decades, and hearing their voice again through a song you both know from childhood. No pressure. No demands. Just connection.

It’s powerful. It’s emotional. And honestly, it’s magic.

It’s not a music lesson - it’s a moment of belonging

We’re not there to perfect technique or push vocal range. We’re there to hold space. To invite everyone in, wherever they’re at.

Yes, we warm up our voices (and our bodies!). Yes, we sing together. But most importantly - we laugh.

We rest.

We remember.

We reconnect.

We sing old musicals, childhood hymns, even the odd song in Russian (they asked for that one - we promise!). One favourite is Cherry Ripe, a simple hymn they all sang at school, and it’s become a staple we end every session with. Why?

Because it’s familiar. It’s comforting. It unlocks something deep inside.

What does it actually help with?

Here are just a few of the benefits we see, week after week:

• Emotional Uplift - singing boosts endorphins, helping with mood and motivation.

• Cognitive Engagement - it strengthens memory, focus, and communication pathways.

• Physical Expression - from toe-tapping to facial articulation, movement supports motor function.

• Confidence and Identify - especially for those further along in their diagnosis, it’s a reminder: I’m still me.

• Connection - for carers, partners, and family members, it’s time to reconnect and just be with their loved one, without the weight of care tasks.

Even those who might fall asleep halfway through (because, yes, Parkinson’s can be exhausting) still arrive smiling and leave feeling lighter.

The science bit (but in simple terms)

There’s a fascinating phenomenon called entrainment - it’s when people in a group physically and mentally sync up.

In choirs, that means voices and bodies start to move and respond together. Neural processes start to align between the people coming together.

It’s not just a nice feeling - it’s proven to support neurological function and emotional regulation.

There’s also loads of research into how singing supports language in those with aphasia, and how familiar music lights up long-dormant memory pathways.

While we’re not therapists, these effects are real - and we get to witness them in action every Monday.

And for the carers?

Let’s not forget them.

Being a full-time carer is exhausting. It’s emotional. And it can feel incredibly lonely.

But in that hour on a Monday afternoon, they get to be together with their loved one in a different way.

They get to sing, laugh, hold hands, and sit shoulder-to-shoulder in shared joy, not shared responsibility.

And when a carer continues to come - even after their partner can’t - you know the power of community has done something special.

Tips and takeaways

If you or someone you know is living with Parkinson’s, here are a few things to think about:

1. Explore music together - whether it’s singing, playing, or listening, it’s not about talent. It’s about togetherness.

2. Look for groups like this one - there are more community-based singing groups than you think, many run through local Parkinson’s UK branches.

3. Don't underestimate the familiar - songs from childhood, musicals, or old hymns often unlock more than new music ever could.

4. No pressure is powerful - singing without judgment, without a target, just for joy, can be a deeply healing act.

5. Come for singing, stay for people - it’s the community that makes it truly special.

Why this is Beccy’s joy?

Beccy leads the group every week. It’s her moment to give something that goes beyond technique - something deeply human.

The joy, the connections, the tiny wins (like a whispered harmony from someone who didn’t think they could sing anymore) - that’s what makes it her favourite hour of the week.

And that’s why we wanted to share it with you.

Want to know more?

This group is run by Parkinson's UK (Kettering branch) - but if you’re curious, interested, or want to connect, feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll pass your details on.

Just email us or drop us a message.

Because sometimes… music says what words cannot.

Your journey. Your story. Your voice.