SWEET-VOICED staff at NHS Borders are beating the winter blues with song.

The Health in Harmony choir is open to all doctors, nurses, carers and auxiliaries across NHS Borders and social care.

And, most importantly, no previous singing experience is required.

The new choir was started by Coldstream GP, Dr Emma Platt, and Earlston music therapist Clare Gillespie to improve staff wellbeing.

After only four sessions the choir already has around 40 regulars working towards their first public performance at Christmas time.

Clare told us: “Choirs have increased in popularity over the last decade thanks to initiatives such as the Rock Choir, which boasts a UK-wide membership of 20,000 and Gareth Malone’s The Choir on the BBC.

“There is a real feel-good factor to singing in a group and it’s a great way to meet new people.

“From a clinical perspective, we know there is also growing evidence to demonstrate the positive impact that being in a choir can have on mental health.

“And so the Health in Harmony choir was created - not only to bring staff from across the Health and Social Care Partnership together in the spirit of integration, but also to promote opportunities for staff to leave the stresses and pressures of the week behind.”

With the guidance of Jennifer Sterling, a highly experienced and enthusiastic musical director, the choir is exploring different styles of music.

The Health in Harmony Choir meets every Thursday evening at the Chaplaincy Centre in the Borders General Hospital.

And it only costs £3 per session.

Emma said: “This is a great opportunity to do something creative, fun and relaxing at the end of the day.

“It brings people together from different sectors and helps develop friendships and links with other health care workers and by sharing ideas there could be a positive impact on future patient care.

“The choir has a great atmosphere already thanks to the expertise and energy of our musical director who has helped us achieve a rather wonderful harmonious sound in just four weeks.

“It is open, accessible, friendly and ready to welcome new members.

“Those who have taken part have really loved it and we want to share this experience with many more.”