Sing Up Foundation launches new website and resources to support singing for mental health and wellbeing

Supported by funding from Arts Council England, Sing Up Foundation has launched a new website at www.singupfoundation.org to support teachers, music leaders and all working with children and young people to use singing, songwriting and voice exploration to improve mental health and wellbeing. An ever-growing resource, the website provides advice, guidance, toolkits, video support, the latest research and more to support leaders and teachers in their work with children and young people.

In addition to a wealth of new articles, research and support, the website features a host of newly commissioned resources from experts and partners including:

• A ‘Safe Spaces’ Guide  – Created by the charity Blue Cabin which supports care-experienced young people, this guide explores how to create experiences that ensure that participants and facilitators alike feel welcome, valued, understood and safe in singing and music-making sessions. (https://www.singupfoundation.org/safe-spaces)
• Beatboxing, Identity & Mental Health film series – Created by international non-binary beatboxer, disability and mental health ambassador SK Shlomo and their Breathe Academy, these inspiring films explore beatboxing and vocal exploration to support identity and mental health. (https://www.singupfoundation.org/beatboxing-identity-mental-health)
• Working in Challenging Settings Case Study – Featuring the work of Yorkshire Youth and Music at Becton Centre for Children and Young People, this inspiring case study provides a look at work with vulnerable young people in care, youth justice and health services using music to help them explore, create and express themselves. (https://www.singupfoundation.org/working-in-challenging-settings)
• Creative Vocals and ‘agency’ Research Review  – This research review conducted by Dr Douglas Lonie from research consultancy tialt looks at the evidence supporting singing, songwriting and vocal exploration and the connection to young people’s sense of ‘agency’. (https://www.singupfoundation.org/creative-vocals-evidence)
• A Guide to Singing for Mental Health and Wellbeing - Created by Emily Foulkes Trauma and Mental Health Trainer and Director of Music for Good, this guide highlights all the different types of singing activity that can be enjoyed with young people and advice for practice. (https://www.singupfoundation.org/types-of-singing-activity-for-mental-health/)

Over the next few months, the Sing Up Foundation website will continue to grow and develop, adding more helpful resources to support anyone working with children and young people to improve their mental health and wellbeing. The website also hosts the entire first season of Sing Up Foundation’s podcast Inspiring Voices, which explores the power of singing to transform children and young people's lives.

Baz Chapman, Joint Head of Sing Up Foundation says, “This launch of the new Sing Up Foundation website, supported with funding by Arts Council England, has allowed us to build a comprehensive platform to inspire, inform and connect anyone wanting to realise the benefits of singing and vocal exploration for children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

By continually developing content to suit our audiences, and by interacting with them, we hope to deepen the connection between the use of the voice and mental health and to increase our collective understanding. We hope that teachers, music practitioners, mental health professionals and anyone else with an interest in this work will not only find or our resources and support valuable, but will also join the conversation and help us shape the future of this valuable work.”