As pioneering Neuro ProActive prepares to launch its digital platform, stroke survivor Lisa Beaumont, inspired by a joyful evening at an outdoor concert, reflects on the impact it is set to make on people living with so many conditions, including Long COVID
In July, my experience of brain injury has increased my awareness of the need for support for other neurological conditions, including the impact of Long COVID.
In July, my walking had improved so much that I was able to attend an outdoor concert in a local, rural setting. Despite its lack of traditional accessibility, I felt confident of my ability to walk into its idyllic, outdoor location in the walled garden at Holmewood House School, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells.
I had been invited by my friend to hear a private concert that was given by Penshurst Choral Society as a celebration of their first reunion after the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.
Penshurst Choral Society takes members with no audition from the entire Tunbridge Wells area, from Uckfield to Edenbridge. The society goes by that name because it was founded in 1963 by the remarkably prescient rector and doctor in the village of Penshurst in Kent.
The doctor felt that regular singing might help to ease the pressure in his over-filled waiting room. This was long before our current understanding of wellbeing and social prescribing, yet the two recognised the potential benefits of the activity.
Thanks to my friend’s strong leadership, the amateur choir had continued to hold its rehearsals virtually throughout the periods of disruption.
Perhaps we should say at least one member of the choir was ill with COVID but recovered after some weeks and found singing a really beneficial activity to aid recovery.
It is estimated that 962,000 people living in private households in the UK (1.5 per cent of the population) were experiencing self-reported Long COVID (source ons.gov.uk data release 1 Jul 2021).
The choir’s experience reminded me that the benefits of neuroproactive.com will be useful for people living with a range of up to 600 neurological conditions. The platform has been designed to accommodate the ongoing rehabilitation needs of those people who live with brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntingdon’s Disease and Long COVID.
The prevalence of the impact of COVID over the long term means that it is perfect timing for neuroproactive.com to launch its digital solution for bringing patients and therapists together, its inclusion of an arts therapy directory will be ideal for those patients who seek singing as a long term solution for their reduced lung capacity, post-COVID.
The summer’s evening of singing and celebration was uplifting for all those present, including me.
I am confident that those who need it will find the solution of neuroproactive.com from September onwards. You can watch a short video about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n8CNhyQQTw
Or stay updated via twitter @NeuroProActive.
