MESOC Serapeum | Where culture meets AI

Id		825
Author		Shakespeare T., Whieldon A.
Title		Sing Your Heart Out: Community singing as part of mental health recovery
Reference		Shakespeare T., Whieldon A.; Sing Your Heart Out: Community singing as part of mental health recovery ;Medical Humanities vol:44.0 issue: 3 page:153.0
Link to article		https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85049128734&doi=10.1136%2fmedhum-2017-011195&partnerID=40&md5=aff32250fd8f5d8671e209385fe01018
Abstract		This paper reports on a qualitative evaluation of a Norfolk-based network of community singing workshops aimed at people with mental health conditions and the general public. The aims of the study were (a) to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sing Your Heart Out (SYHO) project and (b) to identify the key features which made the project distinctive. The study draws on 20 interviews with participants, two focus groups with organisers and workshop leaders, and participative observation over a 6-month period. Interviewees all reported improvement in or maintenance of their mental health and well-being as a direct result of engagement in the singing workshops. For most it was a key component, and for some the only and sufficient component in their recovery and ongoing psychological stability. SYHO was regarded as different from choirs and from most other social groups and also different from therapy groups, music or otherwise. The combination of singing with an inclusive social aspect was regarded as essential in effecting recovery. The lack of pressure to discuss their condition and the absence of explicit therapy was also mentioned by most participants as an important and welcome element in why SYHO worked for them. The combination of singing and social engagement produced an ongoing feeling of belonging and well-being. Attendance provided them with structure, support and contact that improved functioning and mood. We conclude that the SYHO model offers a low-commitment, low-cost tool for mental health recovery within the community. © Article author(s) 2018. All rights reserved.

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Candidate transition variables
For many this represented a chance to feel good and express happiness with others. .
For example, one participant said, It gives you a real feel good factor and really lifts you. .
For others it stood out as key to their recovery or the maintenance of health. .
Another noted, Im left happier so more confident. .
And another in a similar vein, Its given me a lot of confidence. .
Another said, It builds self-esteem and protects against relapses. .
It also, and perhaps crucially, represented a model of good communication which seemed, in many cases, to rehabilitate the ability to develop relationships which people could then transfer to their lives more broadly. .
This kind of contact changed relationships and reduced stigma. .
Interviewees all reported improvement in or maintenance of their mental health and well-being as a direct result of engagement in the singing workshops. .
The combination of singing with an inclusive social aspect was regarded as essential in effecting recovery. .
The combination of singing and social engagement produced an ongoing feeling of belonging and well-being. .
Many studies have now shown the benefits of choral singing for social and mental well-being.3-7 Evidence suggests that group singing can help as coping strategy for people who are experiencing stressful life events.8 .
A recent systematic review found evidence that participation in ongoing community singing programmes can improve quality of life and social and emotional well-being in adults living with chronic conditions.10 .
As one of the organisers put it, the project recognises the inherently therapeutic effects of singing and singing with others. .
Participants all regarded singing as key to the efficacy of the model and reported a thorough enjoyment of singing. .
Some saw it as a fun, low-key opportunity to sing, others saw it as a crucial component to the maintenance of their well-being. .
All interviewees reported positive effects on their mental health from participation in singing together. .
The combination of singing and social engagement produced a feeling of belonging and well-being that often lasted for more than a day and, as a weekly engagement, gave ongoing structure, support and contact that kept them at a higher level of functionality and their moods better than they would be without. .
Four participants credited helping, along with the singing, as crucial in regaining their mental health. .
CONCLUSION The findings from this study reinforce the benefits of participating in singing in a community context for people who have experienced mental health conditions. .
Getting involved in organising provided the benefit of self-efficacy and positive feelings about helping others. .
Participation in self-help groups, community organisations and arts activities can play an important role in this journey to recovery and well-being for people with mental health conditions. .
The aim was to provide a safe environment in which there was understanding of the varieties of mental ill-health and the needs that may arise with such conditions. .

ARTICLE - CANDIDATE TRANSITION VARIABLES

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