Programme: Laois
WHO Theme: Respect and Social Inclusion, Social Participation
Funding Stream: We use some of our mental health funding
Cost: 500 – 1000
Status: Ongoing
Description
In spring 2024, Portlaoise Family Resource Centre (FRC) established a wellbeing / social inclusion singing group pilot as part of our Mental Health Early Intervention and Prevention work. Research shows the positive impact of singing on mood, reducing anxiety, depression and,social engagement , improving overall wellbeing.
The group met every Wednesday morning to sing together, have a cuppa and a chat.
We noticed as the weeks went on, that new friendships were being made and the the style level of those attending was increasing. They were putting their Sunday best on for singing practice.
We linked with Music Generation Laois for the pilot, and one of their choir conductors and musicians facilitated the groups singing and learning. The pilot finished in summer of 2024 following an joint group performance with Music Generation Laois Choir.
Feedback from participants was that they didn’t want the Wednesday Morning Group to stop, so we decided to continue and see where it went. We have a great voluntary director/ leader and a musician, who bring it all together under the guidance of Paul Donnelly FRC Therapeutic Lead.
The group decided to call themselves “The Wednesday Singers” as they did not want to be a formal choir. They wanted to be singers together for enjoyment and fun. With the FRC National Forum taking on the National One Town One Voice initiative, the group became part of it. The group preformed recently in Athlone with the first full gathering of choirs and singing groups from around Ireland who are part the one town one voice initiative.
Some of the group showed an interest in learning to play the Ukulele, so we now have a Ukulele session before the singing session each week.
There are 35 members currently, six men and 29 women.
To date they have preformed at:
– With Music Generation Laois Choir last Summer
– At a the FRC’s Christmas Memorial Event (remembering those who have died)
– In Portlaoise Hospital for patients who were hospitalized
– In a nursing home for residents
– One Town One Voice gathering
Aim of Initiative
As stated earlier, Portlaoise Family Resource Centre (FRC) established a wellbeing / social inclusion singing group pilot as part of our Mental Health Early Intervention and Prevention work. Research shows the positive impact of singing on mood, reducing anxiety, depression and,social engagement , improving overall wellbeing.
The Wednesdays Singers brings people of a certain age together to break isolation, make new friends and meet up with old friends. To help maintain good mental health , through engagement, learning songs, making music and continuing to challenge oneself as we age.
Everyone in the group is equal. It doesn’t matted what you worked at, where you live, what you have financially, they are all in it together, supporting each other.
As part of the chats, some members may identify a need for help or support and as we are a family resource centre, we are able to support them in addressing their need, through form filling, signposting etc.
Who is it aimed at
As stated earlier er purposely did not put age restrictions on it, as we don’t want people to focus on age as it not a barrier to participation.
A few members are in their 50s, with most being between 60 yrs and 80yrs.
3 Steps critical to success
- Having a passion and believe in the project to make it happen and a staff member Paul Donnelly with the vision to make it work.
- Inclusion and Openness- No mention of age as age is not a barrier or restriction
- Making the initiative engaging and fun. Time for the cuppa and the chat and always celebrate.
3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- Initially with after the pilot and not having Music Generation Laois (MGL) involved with us (MGL have a large Community Choir also) could we make it work. And we did.
Some of the group are in both groups but the majority of The Wednesday Singers are only in the one group. - Developing it on a shoe string with the help of volunteers.
- Cant think of anything else
3 Outcomes / Benefits
- Numbers are being maintained and lots of positive feedback about their enjoyment and breaking of social isolation.
- The singers preforming for others and them experiencing a sense of achievement and giving back to others. They have a purpose.
- Singing as part of the One Town One Voice event, being part of a national togetherness.