Sessions are led by Ruth Routledge, a local, experienced singing facilitator, composer and singing for health specialist.

Welcome to Hope in Harmony

Singing for wellbeing group in central Chichester

Research shows that singing with others makes us feel as though we belong and are connected to each other. It builds our confidence and reduces feelings of loneliness. This gives us a deep feeling of joy and relaxation - knowing that we can come as we are, make some sounds with others and sing uplifting songs without needing to be “a singer” or sound good.

Group singing has also been demonstrated to be an effective and accessible holistic intervention which can improve symptoms associated with:

• lung health conditions such as COPD, asthma. 

• brain health and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Dementia and Alzheimers;

• hypertension (high blood pressure);

• mental health such as depression & anxiety;

• loneliness and isolation.

What to expect in a session

11:00 -11:30am Arrive

• A warm, friendly welcome

We know that coming to do something new in a new place with people we don’t know can feel scary. Then add singing and it can feel terrifying. We have a kind and friendly team to say hello to you when you arrive, find out your name and help you with what you may need to feel as comfortable as possible.

• Tea/coffee and biscuits

Simple refreshments to share and to give everyone time and space to settle in.

11:30-12:30 Singing

• Warm-up to prepare our bodies, brains and voices

This usually involves some gentle movement, relaxation and breathing exercises to help us relax and learn to use our voices healthily. Then we move into making rhythms, sounds, simple songs and funny exercises to help us get to know each other.

Everything is an invitation and a choice.

• Learning Songs

We then move on to learn different songs taught by call and response without sheet music or lyrics sheets. This is so that our hands, eyes, ears and bodies are free to move, see and connect with each other, which helps us sing healthily.

There is no pressure or expectation to remember anything.

So far we have done songs by The Beatles, Bob Marley along with Folk, Gospel, World, Pop and have even co-created our own song!

• Bring your song suggestions

It is important to us that we are doing the songs that people want to sing, so if you have a favourite song that you’d love us to, please let Ruth know and we will try and do it.

• Evaluation Questionnaires

As part of our commitment to our funders, we are required to find out if taking part in our group is helping you so there will be a periodically. This is also so that we can refine and improve what we offer and contribute to the knowledge base around the potential benefits of group singing.

How much is it?

Sessions are free to attend due to a grant.

However, we would like the group to continue after the funding runs out, so we are planning on raising funds to cover running costs through donations and fundraising events.

If you are able to make a donation towards our costs either in cash in the sessions or online below, here is a guide:

• Concession / Low Income: £5/session or £60/term covers the venue-hire and costs of music

• General Admission: £10/session or £120/term covers the venue hire and the singing facilitators time.

• Pay It Forward: £15/session or £180/term covers your session and contributes to a free/low-cost space for a neighbour.