Holistic - Restoring Hope

Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy’s (RHPT) “Choir of Sound INTENT” has been hitting some high notes lately! They were joined by the Nambour Salvation Army Band and The Harp ensemble to get in early for their annual Christmas Carols event at Palmwoods Sundale. The concert was very well received, with the audience congratulating the choir for an inspiring performance!

Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy (RHPT) is based here on the Sunshine Coast and the only ACNC Registered charity of its kind in Australia.

Speech Pathologist and RHPT Founding Director, Louise Williams, explains, “Their mission is to preserve the voices of people with Parkinson’s through quality, evidence-based intensive speech therapy, follow-up support and education.

“RHPT were recently honoured to receive $3500 from the Community Bank Woombye and Districts towards the purchase of sturdy, safe and comfortable chairs for our weekly therapy groups.”

Group therapy, including the “Choir of Sound INTENT”, form an integral part of the voice maintenance program for people with Parkinson’s.

“Singing is not only fun, it is very beneficial for people with Parkinson’s”, shares Louise.

“Singing in a choir can provide a range of health and holistic benefits, including improving breath support and control, strengthening the voice and improving vocal range.It can also enhance the colour and intonation in the spoken voice too!”

Other benefits of singing in a choir are social connection and confidence, improved mood and sense of wellbeing, and it helps the muscles involved in swallowing.

Recently the choir was attended by a group of soon-to-graduate Speech Pathology students. These students participated in RHPT’s first Student Open Day. 

“Speech Pathologists are a vital part of the multidisciplinary team required to support people living with Parkinson’s,” Louise adds.

“Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy was awarded an international grant from the Parkinson Voice Project for the sixth year in a row! This grant enabled Speech Pathology students to receive SPEAK OUT!® training.

“During the Open Day RHPT’s dedicated Speech Pathology team shared their experience in working with people with Parkinson’s. The students also participated in mock sessions and heard firsthand about the difference that speech therapy makes to restoring the voices of people with Parkinson’s.”

If you would like to know more or partner with RHPT to restore the voices and swallowing function of those impacted by Parkinson’s please visit their website or Facebook page: rhptherapy.