From September to mid-December 2025, our Singing Mamas and Gentle Exercise Group were running next door to one another at Mixenden Activity Centre (MAC), creating a shared and supportive atmosphere across the space.
Singing Mamas, delivered by Josie Ludford, is a child-friendly singing for wellbeing group for women, designed to reduce stress, boost mood and create connection. The group is particularly popular with mums aged 20–45, alongside their children aged 0–4.
The Gentle Exercise Group, ran by Lisa Trowell who is a Staying Well Cancer Support Worker, supports people living with cancer and other major illnesses, offering gentle movement, meditation and opportunities to connect with others. The group is attended by both men and women aged 45–90, creating a calm and nurturing environment.
Lisa shared that participants in her group enjoyed hearing the singing coming from the Singing Mamas sessions next door. As we approached the festive season, we felt there was a natural opportunity to bring the two groups together for a shared singing experience that could benefit everyone involved.
On December 8th, members of Lisa group joined the final part of the Singing Mamas session for two songs. We sat together in one large circle, with singing led from the centre. As this was the first time Singing Mamas had sung with another group, there was some uncertainty about how confident people might feel. However, we began with a version of Jingle Bells including harmony, and immediately Lisa’s group joined in with confidence and enthusiasm. Singing Mamas participants then added a harmony line, and the room quickly filled with joyful sound and laughter.
Lisa then requested a song we had previously shared together at the Beechwood Park Family Fun Day over the summer: Koleoko, a traditional song from Liberia in East Africa meaning “cock-a-doodle-doo.” The song was taught using call and response, and Lisa’s group picked it up quickly, singing back with confidence. Singing Mamas then added a round, creating a rich and beautiful harmony. We finished by singing an uplifting gospel medley with three parts.
The experience was deeply moving. A multi-generational group, ranging in age from five weeks to ninety years, came together to sing—people facing very different life circumstances, from perinatal mental health challenges to undergoing cancer treatment. There were moments of both laughter and tears, and participants from both groups described the session as meaningful and uplifting.
Following this, we decided to bring the groups together again the following week. Since then, members of Lisa’s group have regularly expressed interest in continuing to sing together and have asked about forming a weekly choir. We are now exploring funding opportunities to support this going forward.
