HE who sings frightens away his ills, according to Don Quixote, and isolated older people in Nottingham have been testing his theory.
Age UK Notts has set up the Sing and Smile workshop in the city centre to bring together older people who are lonely and stuck indoors, encouraging them to make new friends while singing a happy tune.
The event is run by instructor Jane Ashworth as part of the charity's Kindred Spirits programme, which offers a range of activities to older people left on their own.
Yesterday was the group's first practice but the newly-formed choir is already looking ahead to a performance at Christmas.
Miss Ashworth said: "I love teaching people to sing – and I love it even more when it is used to bring people together.
"Kindred Spirits provides activities to stop people staying at home and getting lonely. This will become the highlight of some people's week and I am so happy to be involved with that."
There are almost 40 members at the city centre group, and another group in Hucknall offering the same experience for older people in the area.
Janice Harlow, 70, of Bakersfield, is relishing the opportunity to sing. She said "I always wanted to sing but I never had the chance or the guts before to go out and do it. This kind of thing is essential for people who live on their own, and singing together really brings you together."
Mel Hackett, 79, of Bulwell, lost his wife to Alzheimer's last year and finds the group a real comfort. He said: "I have always loved singing. They won't shut me up until they have shut the lid!
"The thing is, after you lose someone, it is important to keep going, both mentally and physically, and I like to get out every day."
John Fletcher, 65, of Canning Circus, said: "It is nice to meet people, exchange ideas and reminisce about the old times."
And Ilona Poyser, 71, of Sherwood, said singing has helped her through tough times. She said: "When you are on your own, you don't talk and you start to lose your voice. Singing, for me, brings back all these memories and it is lovely for us all to be together and doing it."
Carol Wilby, service manager at Age UK Notts, said "Some local older people may find their calendars only list GP appointments. The new Sing and Smile sessions provide a great social activity to look forward to for the rest of the year.
"Not only could these reduce the risks associated with loneliness but singing is also proven to help with breathing, posture and confidence."
To find out more, call 0115 841 4473.
What activities would you like to see to combat loneliness? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.