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Let's talk about Mental Health
Sing out Strong is a SINGCLUSIVE family of wellbeing choirs
Our aim is to help people look after their wellbeing, through singing as part of a group. Sing out Strong was set up in 2019 by Founder Emma Rowland-Elsen, a professional choral conductor with PTSD, depression and anxiety. Emma was eager to make choir a more accessible place for those who may have suffered with mental health problems, low self-esteem, stress and discrimination, and to share the benefits of singing with everyone.
So, how do we incorporate wellbeing into our work?
At Sing out Strong we do a number of things that take us beyond just singing for fun:
- We begin (and end) every session with mindful breathing to focus the brain and relieve stress;
- All musical material chosen is upbeat and uplifting. While we try to include a wide variety of genres in our repertoire, we do steer clear from anything that might be a bit sad or a trigger to some;
- We do not audition singers or put anyone on the spot in our sessions. Concerts are not compulsory, neither are any of the exercises, warmups or activities that we undertake;
- We understand that sometimes simply coming to choir practice is half the battle. If singers need a quiet place to take some time out or just need to sit and listen, then we respect that and provide the necessary privacy;
- Each year we organise a Wellness Day where our members can attend interactive workshops, such as yoga, singing and music therapy, designed to improve overall wellbeing. Our next one is coming up in January 2022;
- We regularly organise big fundraising gala concerts to raise money for mental health charities and raise awareness of the importance of self-care and good mental health;
- We train all our choir Leaders in mental health safeguarding.
Ten reasons why singing is good for you!
