Welcome
Sing 2 Health is the home for the singing for health projects led by singing for health practitioner-researcher, Ruth Routledge. Ruth is an experienced and accomplished choral conductor, singer, arranger and composer with experience of creating and implementing projects in educational, health and community settings to improve mental and physical health, alleviate loneliness and enhance quality of life. Ruth’s work is focused on singing for health: researching the health benefits of singing, implementing singing for health projects and training singing leaders.
Singing is proven to help physical and mental health, well-being, social integration and inclusion in our communities.
What is singing for health?
Singing for health is an emerging field developing out of long-standing practice and more recent research. Historically singing has been used therapeutically for lung health, mental health and healing. Now these claims are being validated by research, which demonstrates the wide range of health benefits for individuals and communities.
Singing is a holistic practice involving a complex interaction of physical, neurological, social and cultural components. It can be used to alleviate both physical and mental symptoms of ill health, which often co-exist. It is a safe and accessible activity which builds a sense of belonging and community, also heavily implicated in health outcomes. Group singing can also empower people with tools and strategies to take into their daily lives to support their own health and wellbeing, emotional regulation and co-regulation, and improve quality of life.
Singing for health is distinct from, but shares aspects with music therapy, community music practice, speech and language therapy and vocal pedagogy. Since the human body is the instrument, the focus is often on the physical act of singing in a healthy way using breathing, relaxation, physical and vocal exercises. Choice of song and type of singing are very important and may include humming, song-singing, toning (improvising on open vowels), free improvising with or without lyrics, primal sounds amongst others.
Every voice counts.
We believe that singing should be an inclusive and creative experience,
every voice counts and everyone is welcome.
Health benefits of singing
In the last twenty years there has been a burgeoning field of research demonstrating the positive effects of group singing for health and wellbeing issues including:
Lung health
Immunity in cancer patients
Cardiovascular health
High blood pressure
Long covid
Parkinson's
Dementia
Mental health issues including acute mental health crises, stress, anxiety, maternal mental health
Neurorehabilitation.
Loneliness and social isolation
Fun, relaxed, weekly singing sessions using movement, breathing, sounding and singing to support health and wellbeing. Group singing benefits lung health, mental health, heart health, Parkinson’s and more.
Everyone of all ages welcome! No talent or experience needed.
Inclusive and SEND-friendly.
WEDNESDAYS 11:30-12:30
Green Door Centre, Bosham