This year will see the launch of a Singing for Health Network for practitioners, researchers and anyone interested or involved in Singing for Health and Well-being. The overarching aim of the Network is to bring Singing for Health intelligence under one roof and forge closer links between research and practice. There will be opportunities for connection, collaboration and development of skills and knowledge through online content, training and events. The creation of such a community is particularly needed at this time when the singing community has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers an opportunity for people to come together in a positive, supportive virtual environment where the sharing of ideas and experiences is valued and encouraged.
The Network has been pioneered by Cornish Charity Director Emily Foulkes, as a result of her postgraduate research into Singing for Health and as a Singing for Health practitioner working in communities, Primary and Acute Healthcare. Emily was formally responsible for developing and managing national programmes and networks for Youth Music. Emily is working with Jo Erwin, an NHS researcher with a background in Public Health, to bring the vision to life and has secured some seed funding from the Lottery’s Reaching Communities programme.
The vision for the Network has grown from connections and collaborations with practitioners, researchers and partners across the UK, starting from a local Network in Cornwall. Key partners so far include Dr Daisy Fancourt and Saoirse Finn based at UCL, Dr Stephen Clift and his team at Canterbury Christchurch University (Sidney de Haan Centre), York St John University, Britten Pears Arts (formally Snape Maltings), Sing for Pleasure, The Sing Up Foundation, Sing to Beat Parkinson’s, The Musical Breath, Music and Dementia, the Culture Health & Well-being Alliance and Voice Workshop.
Consultation with practitioners and researchers in Cornwall and beyond has resulted in the drafting of some aims for the Network and the feedback so far has been very positive. To ensure that the Network is driven by needs and interests of its members there will be a survey launched in partnership with Canterbury Christchurch University to further consult on the aims and activities of the Network.
This Network is not seeking to replicate, but to build on existing resources and provide a useful platform for practitioners and researchers and anyone interesting in Singing for Health. The aim is to support those researching Singing for Health with promoting their work and to support new and emerging voices as well as established researchers/practitioners. It aims to support practitioners to engage and use research in their work. Membership to the network will open to those working in or interested in Singing for Health (in the UK, mainly). The Network will be launched formally later in the year.
If you are interested in contributing content to the website, in the way of case studies or other materials, please do contact Emily to discuss this. The Network aims to provide a wide range of content, representing diversity and inclusivity.
Please follow the Facebook page – Singing for Health Network and sign up to receive updates via the website www.singingforhealthnetwork.co.uk.
Contact [email protected]
Singing for Health Network Training and CPD opportunity
Saturday 12th September 10:00-13:00 and 10th October 10:00-11:00. Trauma and Mental Health Informed Principles for Singing and Voice Practitioners.
A practical and theoretical session for voice and singing practitioners to explore some of the neuroscience of trauma and principles for practice.
Based on MA research and a number of years of practice and experience, Emily will give an overview of the impacts of trauma on mental and physical health and share a Trauma and Mental Health Model for Singing and Voice work practice.
This has grown from a study with one to one voice and singing with children, but the model can apply across age ranges and with groups.
Emily is a Trauma and Mental Health Informed Practitioner and Trainer. She is completing her MA in Voice Pedagogy with Voice Workshop with a specialism in Singing for Health and Well-being. Emily is almost qualified as a Mindfulness Teacher (using MBSR and MBCT).
Previous participants have said;
'I thought you delivered a really strong webinar, and made everyone feel welcome and included. I thought you led the group really well, while also giving people the platform to ask questions and also offer up information/experiences. I appreciated that. I was delighted to be part of the group and left the session feeling motivated and further interested in the topic.'
'Thank you so much again for today. There really is so much to take away and I feel fuelled with ideas and some new outlooks. I loved all the exercises and examples you gave; you have a gift of being able to explain so clearly and having the time to consolidate with others I find so important. You gave us some brilliant activities while explaining why you do them and I just found that so wonderful. I very much look forward to learning from you again in the future.'
Cost: £30. Please email [email protected] to book your place. (places are limited).