The musical director of a West Sussex support group has been awarded a doctorate from the University of Chichester after spending five years researching the health benefits of singing for people living with cancer.
André de Silva, who leads the OutSingCancer choir, officially passed his PhD in September 2026. His doctoral research used the local choir as its primary subject to study the impact of singing on cancer patients.
The choir is part of the charity Cancer United, which was founded by Jan Sheward. Since its inception, the group has grown from a handful of participants to more than 50 regular members across the coastal district. The academic validation of the programme follows a period of significant activity for the charity.
Rehearsals and Local Access
The OutSingCancer choir operates weekly across three locations in the Chichester and West Sussex area. Membership is open to anyone affected by cancer, including carers and family members, and the charity operates an open-door policy with no auditions required to join.
Rehearsals are currently scheduled as follows:
- Mondays: 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Littlehampton United Church, High Street, Littlehampton (BN17 5EG).
- Tuesdays: 3.30pm to 4.30pm at the AGE UK Laburnum Centre, Lyon Street, Bognor Regis (PO21 1UX).
- Thursdays: 7pm to 8.15pm at Rustington Church Hall, Station Road, Rustington (BN16 3NR).
According to Cancer United, the choir aims to provide a supportive environment that focuses on the physical and emotional recovery of its members through music. The completion of the PhD research provides a formal evidence base for the community work already established in Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, and Rustington.
Residents interested in joining the choir or seeking more information on the charity’s support services can contact the main office on 01903 779 880 or email jan@cancerunited.org.uk. Registration for new members is available throughout the year.