A seated singing group for people living with chronic pain and/or long term health conditions
Singing to support chronic pain and long term health conditions
There is growing evidence that regular singing can help address a number of physical and mental health challenges from anxiety and depression to neurological disorders.
“Singing for me is like a direct line to my emotions. It is a way of expressing feelings that might ordinarily struggle to be released, and of boosting my mood.”
Tonic participant
Cohere Arts was delighted to be awarded funding from East Suffolk Council via the Collaborative Communities Board to run a seated singing group based in Woodbridge Library.
The group met each Friday morning for 10 weeks, enjoying a friendly, relaxed opportunity to sing uplifting songs in the company of other people experiencing similar challenges. Sessions included 60 minutes of singing followed by 30 minutes of social time and were free to attend.
Over the series, the group enjoyed repertoire including folk songs, musical theatre, classical and popular tunes, with library staff particularly enjoying our rendition of “Wouldn’t it be Lovely” from My Fair Lady.
“Tonic by name and tonic by action, the sessions started with a vocal warm up then on to attempting to learn various songs, advancing to a round and echo. The sessions made singing so much fun, plus time for tea/coffee and biscuits, what an uplifting experience!”
Tonic participant
Participants could take advantage of the accessible venue space of the meeting room at Woodbridge Library, enjoying wheelchair access and adjacent disabled parking. Guide and support dogs were also warmly welcomed.
Made possible thanks to the kind support of:
