Leo Samuel, a member of the Sing for Freedom Choir, shares what it means to her to be part of this unique community

We’re delighted to announce that we have been supported by a generous grant from the Baring Foundation to support the next stage of our Singing For Our Minds programme. In 2024 we will be working with an amazing team of singing and mental health professionals along with our singing communities to produce a new online resource that will provide musical leaders with easy and accessible tools to ensure they bring maximum joy to their singing groups. There is a welcome growing awareness of the many positive benefits that singing together with others can offer for mental health and well-being. However, professional music leaders do not always have the tools or expertise needed to prioritise the well-being of artists and performers. And in the face of an escalating mental health crisis, many who work in musical settings are concerned to develop their skills and knowledge to ensure that they are creating a musical environment that is beneficial for everyone. Presented in easy-to-access short video format, with links to further research and reading, this open-source resource will provide an invaluable and practical source of advice and support for anyone seeking to ensure that their singing groups or activities are inclusive, artistic spaces where people experiencing mental health problems can sing, create and thrive.  You can find out more on the Singing For Our Minds webpage, where there’s also a link to a short survey for anyone who’d like to share their views on what will make a good resource. Watch this space for updates! And please do contact us if you’d like to find out more or get involved: hello@togetherproductions.co.uk