In celebration of its 10th birthday, Sing Up has launched the Sing Up Foundation, a new charitable organisation focussing on:
- singing for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- singing for teenagers with anxiety or mental health issues
- singing for older people with respiratory problems
- singing for older people with dementia
The Foundation convened its first roundtable event on Friday 16 June 2017, inviting experts and practitioners to join the discussion and share their insights on:
- the nature and extent of the need in each of the four areas
- what is known in relation to singing as a partial solution
- what work is already happening and how well the outcomes are evidenced
- current perceived barriers and issues to address
- where the Sing Up Foundation might best make a difference
Led by David Sulkin, Chair of the Sing Up Foundation, the discussion heard 10-minute presentations from experts in each of the four areas followed by constructive discussions with the whole group.
These included:
- singing and autism among children – with expert input from Pamela McGahon (an experienced teacher and vocal practitioner working in this area) and Nina Swann (Director of Musicians’ Development at Live Music Now)
- singing for teenagers with mental health issues/anxiety – with expert input from Jenny Young (Executive Director of Blue Cabin CiC)
- singing for lung health – with expert input from Emily Foulkes (vocal practitioner working in this area) and Mayana McDermott (Singing and Active Project Officer, British Lung Foundation)
- singing for dementia – with expert input from Jane Rothery (Music Leader, Mindsong) and Nina Swann (Director of Musicians’ Development at Live Music Now)
Michelle James, CEO of Sing Up, said:
‘My Sing Up colleagues and I were bowled over by the generosity of the whole group in sharing their time and expertise and by the positive spirit of openness and willingness to collaborate.’
Header photo: Sing Up Foundation’s first roundtable was chaired by David Sulkin
