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Social Prescribing

Singing For Health

There is a growing amount of scientific evidence that singing improves health. It is can be particularly beneficial for mental health, boosting people's self esteem and confidence at the same time as engaging their emotions. Singing with others is sociable, reducing loneliness and isolation. It can also be beneficial for physical health, promoting lung health, as well as helping to manage pain and the symptoms of Parkinson's and Dementia.

Singing for Health Network has a wealth of information on the latest research here and you can download a pdf guide they have created for social prescribers about referring to a singing group or choir here. We are a member of the network. 

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Below is an example of the possible process and timeline, as suggested by Sing for Pleasure.

Example timeline for Social Prescribing to a singing group 

1

GP Appointment

(or agency)

Refers to Link worker for health condition suitable for SP

2

Link Worker and Patient meeting

Singing group identified as a possible activity

​

Contacts singing group Rep (or suggests 

patient contacts directly)

3

Conversation with potential singing group

By phone, over zoom or face to face, preferably with Link Worker present

​

Singing Group Facilitator gives info about sessions (social, musical and practical)

​

Discusses Patient's condition as appropriate

​

Arrange observation / taster visit

4

Taster visit / observation

of singing group​

Link Worker may or may not accompany

​

Facilitator greets

 patient who either sings or observes

5

Follow-up conversation

Conversation between Facilitator / Rep and Link Worker and / or Patient to agree next steps

 

(if group is not suitable other options may be recommended)

6

First singing group session

Link Worker may or may not accompany

​

Facilitator welcomes

 Patient and introduces as a new participant

7

Check in / s

Group Facilitator / Rep checks in with Patient and reports to Link worker as appropriate

​

Monitoring & Evaluation as required

PATIENT JOURNEY

If you wish to refer someone or need further information, click on the button below or call 07440 381840 

Useful Information

  • ​People are welcome who have no singing experience or musical ability.

  • We do not use notation, so people don't need to be able to read music, but we provide lyric sheets

  • People are welcome to come along and just listen (we say singing, foot tapping and humming are all optional) or tcome for a taster / to observe. Hand percussion is also available at in-person sessions so people can participate int that way if they prefer.

  • Participants will be on mute when they sing online or by telephone, which can be reassuring for people to know, that others cannot hear them sing. 

  • We sing songs from all genres of music. Read our FAQs here

  • Our partner Lifelines can assist people with getting online.

  • Facilitators are fully insured, DBS checked and have experience of working with people who have dementia, Parkinson's Disease and mental health challenges. 

  • We have safeguarding & data protection policies and carry outrisk assessments for sessions. 

Considerations 

  • People can feel apprehensive about singing and may need reassurance that everyone can sing and our groups welcome everyone of any ability or level of confidence. Informing people about the health benefits of singing can be helpful when suggesting coming to a group. Read more here 

  • If the patient has a lung condition they may wish to come to a session more focussed on breathing.

  • Does the patient have any specific needs / safeguarding issues?

  • Will they access the group alone or with a link worker / support worker?

  • Does your patient wish for the 'Social Prescription' to be made known to other participants? 

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