Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has merged with Rising Voices Wessex, a Poole-based community choir charity that supports people living with and beyond cancer through singing and shared experiences. The partnership expands access to the choir for people living with life-limiting illness and their families across east Dorset and Purbeck.
A group of clinical professionals founded Rising Voices Wessex in 2012 and launched the choir in 2013 to create a supportive community where people affected by cancer come together through music. As part of the merger, the choir now operate as the Lewis-Manning Rising Voices Choir, offering a space where members can connect with others who share similar experiences, while enjoying the emotional and physical benefits of singing.
Clare Gallie, Chief Executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rising Voices Wessex into the Lewis-Manning family. Music brings people together, lifts their spirits, and supports emotional wellbeing.
“Our approach to hospice care considers the whole person, not only their clinical needs. Bringing Rising Voices into Lewis-Manning expands the ways people in Dorset can connect, build confidence, and access meaningful support in their community. Singing brings so many real health benefits. It can lift mood, improve breathing, build confidence, and reduce feelings of loneliness by bringing people together through a shared experience.”
Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset and patron of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, Professor Michael Dooley shared his thoughts on the merger: “I am delighted to see the coming together of Rising Voices Wessex with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care – an inspiring union of two organisations making a real difference in our community.
“As His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, a doctor, and a proud patron of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, I am also delighted to see Rising Voices Wessex bringing the joy and power of music into this partnership, enriching the lives of patients, families and the wider community.”
The merger secures the long-term future of Rising Voices Wessex while strengthening Lewis-Manning’s holistic care offer. Choir members can benefit from the wider services available and a welcoming and supportive environment, while also gaining the backing of Lewis-Manning’s governance, resources, and growing network of community hubs.
Noeline Young, Chair of Rising Voices Wessex said: “Through singing together, Rising Voices has created a supportive community where members find friendship, understanding, support, and encouragement. It’s a pleasure to see so many people having fun and connecting with a group that truly understands what each other are going through.
“Merging with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care allows the choir to grow and reach more people who may benefit from the support and sense of community the choir provides.”
Choir rehearsals will take place weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:45pm to 9pm at Lewis-Manning’s hub on Longfleet Road. The sessions are designed to introduce the service to new members and support the future of Rising Voices. The addition of the choir further expands on Lewis-Manning’s anticipatory approach to hospice care, which focuses on supporting people earlier in their illness so they can live well, maintain independence, and build strong support networks.
Michael Dooley added: “There is a unique power in music to bring people together, improve health and wellbeing, and create a true sense of belonging – and this union captures that purpose beautifully. It brings a real sense of harmony into the community, uniting people across Dorset.
“I have seen – and the evidence clearly shows – the profoundly positive impact that music and community connection can have on both physical and mental health. What I find particularly inspiring is the way in which charities coming together in this way amplify their impact – combining compassion, creativity and care to reach more people and provide deeper, more holistic support. Bringing a much-loved local choir into the heart of a leading hospice charity strengthens the support offered to patients and their families, and stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through unity of purpose.”
Clare continued: “Across Dorset there are so many brilliant charities supporting our communities, so when we unite with a shared purpose, we can reach more people, deliver services more effectively, and make better use of the resources entrusted to us by our supporters.
“Our partnership with Rising Voices shows how these partnerships within healthcare strengthen the long-term sustainability of our services and ultimately ensure more people receive the support they need.”
The Lewis-Manning Rising Voices Choir welcomes people living with cancer and life-limiting illness, their families, carers, and those who have experienced bereavement. Lewis-Manning Hospice Care encourages those interested in supporting the choir to contact the charity for more information.