Many, many thanks to the London Oriana Choir who have selected the Sing Up Foundation as their chosen charity for this concert season. They have just released their 2024/25 concert programme and will be collecting donations for the Sing Up Foundation at these performances. Please check out their concert programme and if you are either in London or passing through, check them out! As part of this season, the London Oriana Choir will also be performing in Oxford in November 2024 and Padua and Venice, Italy in May 2025. Please also consider donating to the Sing Up Foundation and help us continue our work.

At our recent focus group, we explored what is meant by singing for mental health and wellbeing and what makes these singing sessions distinct from others. Join in on the conversation and let us know what you think. With so many people now recognising the wider benefits of singing on mental health and wellbeing, it's wonderful that we're starting to see more and more singing groups with a focus on improving people's wellbeing. It's also clear that with more emphasis on social prescribing through the NHS, local community connectors and GP surgeries may begin recommending local singing groups to their patients to improve their mental health and wellbeing. In terms of young people, this will also hopefully cascade down through to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) with more children and young people provided with opportunities to join singing groups for their mental health and wellbeing. It's important to then start thinking about what actually makes these singing groups different? What about them and how the singing leaders lead and organise them provides a rich environment where people can feel an improvement to their mental health and wellbeing? Can we identify some of these characteristics and help to ensure when children, young people and adults attend singing sessions for their mental health and wellbeing, they can take part in a group that has the ability to do that? In April, we held a focus group with experts working in singing for mental health and wellbeing to begin to explore some of these issues. The group included, Kate Burnett, Lea Cornthwaite, Emily Foulkes, Rebecca Johnson, Rebecca Ledgard, Cindy-Jo Morrison, Chrissy Parsons-West and Dr Jeremy Sleith. It's fair to say, that from the beginning there was ample discussion regarding whether or not there actually was a difference between 'regular’ singing sessions (for lack of a better term) and singing with a view to improving mental health and wellbeing. As all of the singing leaders present had extensive experience running singing for mental health and wellbeing, many of them felt like they considered the effects on the participants' wellbeing as a natural part of their practice in all singing sessions regardless of the context. Eventually though through the discussions, the group came to agree that there is a difference. 'Regular' singing sessions were described as sessions where the musical goal is most important and where 100% of the development of the group is through music. In singing for mental health and wellbeing, the focus group felt that the leader must cater most to the emotional needs of the participants but that ultimately "music is the agent of change" and that there is less focus on technicalities and the ability of the participants. Thinking about it further, the focus group did agree on a number of key considerations to differentiate 'regular' singing sessions from singing for mental health and wellbeing . The considerations can roughly be organised into four main areas - group set up and organisation, leadership, support for the singing leader and mental health knowledge. Group Set Up and Organisation The focus group agreed that in singing for mental health, group size is critical and depending on the needs of the participants and the context, the leaders must think very carefully about ratios and what type of other support the leader may need in the room (ie pastoral support). It was also noted that structure is important to provide familiarity and comfort for the participants with some time provided in the singing sessions for social time so that participants can connect socially with the rest of the group. There was also a feeling that singing sessions for mental health and wellbeing must constitute stand-alone, complete, satisfactory sessions . This is because participants might find it difficult to regularly attend a series of sessions for any number of reasons. This also highlights the potential difficulty of making a sustained difference to hard-to-reach groups. Leadership We'd all agree that good quality vocal leadership is critical in all singing sessions but given the context of singing for mental health and wellbeing, the focus group highlighted some specific areas for leaders to bear in mind. Preparation is key and much more thought needs to go into the repertoire and content chosen for the group to sing as it's important to consider potential triggers and sensitivities of the participants. There also was a feeling that leaders need to be much more flexible and much more responsive when leading singing for mental health and wellbeing as there needs to be a plan but the leader needs to read their audience well and be brave enough to abandon the plan if necessary. Given the context, professionalism is, of course, key. Support for the singing leader Another area which was highlighted was the increased need for the leader themselves to have external support to mitigate any potential impact on their own mental health and wellbeing. There was a feeling that much greater emotional resilience is needed to deliver singing for mental health and wellbeing. Clearly, self-care is important, but there should be a duty of care from the organisers to ensure the good health and wellbeing of the singing leaders in the same way that employers would approach health and safety standards in the workplace. Depending on the settings and how challenging they may be, the leaders may also benefit from receiving some supervision and support from mental health support workers. Mental Health Knowledge Needless to say, there is a need for any one leading and delivering singing for mental health and wellbeing to have a level of awareness, knowledge and understanding of mental health . Depending on the setting, leaders may also be asked to contribute to case notes. As mentioned previously, the leaders need to have a level of awareness to help avoid triggers that may affect participants. This increased awareness should also improve a leader's ability to observe and respond to the group. Your thoughts We hope some of these ideas have inspired you to think about how you set up your singing groups. Naturally, they will spark many more questions and the discussions we had during our focus group were complex with many more ideas arising that we've still got to unpick and consider. This is very much just the beginning of an exciting journey in developing singing for mental health and wellbeing and ensuring that many more children, young people and adults can experience the life-changing benefits of singing. We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. What are your views? Have you got experience running singing sessions for mental health and wellbeing? Do you agree with the ideas explored by our focus group? Have you got more to add? Want to know more about the benefits of singing? Check out our list of relevant research . Make sure you also subscribe to be kept in the loop about all our latest developments. Please use the comments below to join in the conversation.

Sing Up has recently added new members to both the Board of Sing Up Ltd and the Trustees of the Sing Up Foundation. Sing Up Foundation is the organisation's charitable arm. New Appointments: Natasha Hendry - joins the main Board as a new non-executive Director Natasha is a music psychologist, researcher, educator, singer, speaker and social justice activist. She's an expert on diversity and de-colonisation of the music curriculum and a Research Psychologist specialising in music, wellbeing and social justice. Additionally, the following people are joining the Board of Trustees for the Sing Up Foundation : Vernon Fuller Vernon is a musician, songwriter, community singing facilitator, voice over artist and mental health and wellbeing tutor based in the North West. Alongside his work teaching guitar and vocals and leading various singing groups, he is a Mental Health First Aider and delivers self-esteem and self-confidence courses to groups.  Sarah-Jane Gibson Sarah-Jane is an ethnomusicologist who focuses on intercultural understanding through music-making. She’s a Music Lecturer at York St John University and the Music Director of the Stamford Bridge Singers. She also has a background in music education having taught in Primary and Secondary schools in South Africa, the United States and England. Beth Ismay Beth is the Learning Programmes Manager at the National Youth Jazz Orchestra developing their Under-18s programme. She’s an experienced youth music programme manager, with a track record in developing projects that reach young people who may otherwise experience barriers to accessing the arts. Becky Kingsnorth Becky is the Assistant Director, Primary Care Strategy and Change with the NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board. She has experience of successful programme management, change leadership, strategic development, healthcare commissioning, and service transformation in the private, voluntary and public sector.  Rhona Miller Rhona is the Associate Assistant Head Teacher at Addington School and has worked in music and special education with children and young people with learning disabilities as a music teacher and leader since 2005 with children from the ages of 2 to 18. She has also led the Berkshire Association of Special Schools creative arts group. Zeny Zerfu Zeny is a Teacher and Trainer in Education and Music for British Council Ethiopia. She was also a World Voice Master Trainer. As a facilitator, she encourages learning through stories and art and supports international partnerships.   Michelle James, CEO of Sing Up said of the appointments "We are absolutely delighted to welcome these new appointments to Sing Up's Boards. Our new Board members bring with them a wealth of expertise, knowledge and passion for the role of music in society, particularly in relation to equity, diversity and inclusion and to the mental wellbeing of children and young people. We look forward to working with these talented individuals at a governance level where they can guide us forward alongside our other Directors and Trustees." Jeremy Sleith, Chair of Sing Up Foundation said "I am so pleased to welcome our new trustees to the foundation, as they all bring something unique and individual to our expanding group.  Collectively I feel sure that they will greatly enhance the work supporting young people's mental health through singing and creative music making and look forward to developing our reach and scope of activities with them all over the coming years." Interviews and photos available by contacting press@singup.org . Notes to Editors: Sing Up ( www.singup.org ) is an award-winning organisation that provides resources, training and guidance to support singing and music in schools. Sing Up believes that all children and young people have a right to good quality singing provision, to deepen their understanding of music and singing, raise attainment and develop lasting tools to express themselves with confidence and creativity. With 17 years of experience at the forefront of music education, Sing Up’s specially arranged songs, teaching tools and support continue to put singing and music at the heart of learning.      The Sing Up Foundation ( www.singupfoundation.org ) produces, promotes and creates opportunities for children and young people to improve their mental health and wellbeing through singing. Through partnerships, resource development and innovation the Sing Up Foundation – explores and highlight effective practice, connects practice with research, creates research-based pilot projects to build and share knowledge and understanding and increase impact, and supports and develops the workforce and settings surrounding children and young people. The Sing Up Foundation is Sing Up’s charitable arm focused on producing charitable activities through fundraising, partnerships and innovation. The Foundation shares in Sing Up’s goal to ensure that children and young people have opportunities to sing and make music regularly and well for all the benefits that research shows that brings, with a particular focus on mental health and wellbeing. Foundation staff work for Sing Up and sit on Sing Up’s Senior Management Team. Likewise, two members of Sing Up’s staff, including CEO Michelle James, sit on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

We're just in the middle of recording the second series of our Inspiring Voices Podcast. The second series will focus particularly on how we can inspire young voices and especially on how children and young people who are faced with particular challenges in their lives that effect their mental health can be supported through singing and music-making. Series 2 will be out in a few weeks so make sure that you're subscribed on Spotify or Apple or on your favourite podcast platform. In the meantime - you can catch up on our first series . The Inspiring Voices Podcast features conversations exploring the role of singing, songwriting, voice exploration and creative music-making in transforming young people's mental health and wellbeing. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform - Spotify: https://bit.ly/IVPodSpotify  Apple: https://apple.co/45ZCVTx   Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3raZXrF

Supported by funding from Arts Council England, Sing Up Foundation has launched a new website at www.singupfoundation.org to support teachers, music leaders and all working with children and young people to use singing, songwriting and voice exploration to improve mental health and wellbeing. An ever-growing resource, the website provides advice, guidance, toolkits, video support, the latest research and more to support leaders and teachers in their work with children and young people. In addition to a wealth of new articles, research and support, the website features a host of newly commissioned resources from experts and partners including: A ‘Safe Spaces’ Guide  – Created by the charity Blue Cabin which supports care-experienced young people, this guide explores how to create experiences that ensure that participants and facilitators alike feel welcome, valued, understood and safe in singing and music-making sessions. (https://www.singupfoundation.org/safe-spaces) Beatboxing, Identity & Mental Health film series – Created by international non-binary beatboxer, disability and mental health ambassador SK Shlomo and their Breathe Academy, these inspiring films explore beatboxing and vocal exploration to support identity and mental health. (https://www.singupfoundation.org/beatboxing-identity-mental-health) Working in Challenging Settings Case Study – Featuring the work of Yorkshire Youth and Music at Becton Centre for Children and Young People, this inspiring case study provides a look at work with vulnerable young people in care, youth justice and health services using music to help them explore, create and express themselves. (https://www.singupfoundation.org/working-in-challenging-settings) Creative Vocals and ‘agency’ Research Review  – This research review conducted by Dr Douglas Lonie from research consultancy tialt looks at the evidence supporting singing, songwriting and vocal exploration and the connection to young people’s sense of ‘agency’. (https://www.singupfoundation.org/creative-vocals-evidence) A Guide to Singing for Mental Health and Wellbeing - Created by Emily Foulkes Trauma and Mental Health Trainer and Director of Music for Good, this guide highlights all the different types of singing activity that can be enjoyed with young people and advice for practice. (https://www.singupfoundation.org/types-of-singing-activity-for-mental-health/) Over the next few months, the Sing Up Foundation website will continue to grow and develop, adding more helpful resources to support anyone working with children and young people to improve their mental health and wellbeing. The website also hosts the entire first season of Sing Up Foundation’s podcast Inspiring Voices, which explores the power of singing to transform children and young people's lives. Baz Chapman, Joint Head of Sing Up Foundation says, “This launch of the new Sing Up Foundation website, supported with funding by Arts Council England, has allowed us to build a comprehensive platform to inspire, inform and connect anyone wanting to realise the benefits of singing and vocal exploration for children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. By continually developing content to suit our audiences, and by interacting with them, we hope to deepen the connection between the use of the voice and mental health and to increase our collective understanding. We hope that teachers, music practitioners, mental health professionals and anyone else with an interest in this work will not only find or our resources and support valuable, but will also join the conversation and help us shape the future of this valuable work.” Notes to Editors: The Sing Up Foundation (www.singupfoundation.org) produces, promotes and creates opportunities for children and young people to improve their mental health and wellbeing through singing. Through partnerships, resource development and innovation the Sing Up Foundation – explores and highlights effective practice, connects practice with research, creates research-based pilot projects to build and share knowledge and understanding and increase impact, and supports and develops the workforce and settings surrounding children and young people. The Sing Up Foundation is Sing Up’s charitable arm focused on producing charitable activities through fundraising, partnerships and innovation. The Foundation shares in Sing Up’s goal to ensure that children and young people have opportunities to sing and make music regularly and well for all the benefits that research shows that brings, with a particular focus on mental health and wellbeing. Foundation staff work for Sing Up and the Joint Heads of Foundation sit on Sing Up’s Senior Management Team. Likewise, two members of Sing Up’s staff, including CEO Michelle James, sit on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Sing Up (www.singup.org) is an award-winning organisation that provides resources, training and guidance to support singing and music in schools. Sing Up believes that all children and young people have a right to good quality singing provision, to deepen their understanding of music and singing, raise attainment and develop lasting tools to express themselves with confidence and creativity. With over 15 years of experience at the forefront of music education, Sing Up’s specially arranged songs, teaching tools and support put singing and music at the heart of learning. Sing Up Foundation’s podcast Inspiring Voices features in Feedspot’s recommended Top 10 Music Education podcasts. Through conversations with singers, leaders, researchers and other specialists, Inspiring Voices considers the unique role of singing, songwriting, voice exploration and creative music-making in improving children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

The Sing Up Foundation is looking for individuals who are passionate about singing and music-making and improving children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing to join our Board of Trustees for our charity. Following a period of growth and development supported by Arts Council funding, this is a unique opportunity to help shape our charity and support our work. Trustees will have an interest and experience with children and young people and a passion for improving their lives. We have identified the following areas of expertise that we’re particularly interested in adding to our Board of Trustees: Fundraising and/or finance experience Local or regional experience within the mental health sector specifically with young people and adolescents Lived experience and/or expertise in Mental Health Services Parents of children and young people that have experience and knowledge of the mental health challenges faced by young people Young people The Foundation welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability. We’re also happy to have an informal conversation regarding the Foundation, the Board of Trustees and our work. We also recognise that not everyone will have had the same opportunities to progress to a governance level in their careers and we welcome applications from those who may not have previous experience serving on a Board. This is not in any way a barrier to a successful application. This is a volunteer role and does not include remuneration but reasonable travel expenses are covered. Please download the full role specification below: If you’d like to apply, please send in your CV with a covering letter by 30 April, 5pm to info@singupfoundation.org with ‘Sing Up Foundation Board’ in the subject line. When submitting your application, we process your personal data in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Notice. Please note: This role is part of the Sing Up Foundation Board of Trustees. The Sing Up Group has its own Board of Directors and if you are interested in the joining the Sing Up Group as a Non-Executive Director, that role is advertised on the Sing Up website. The Sing Up Foundation believes in harnessing the power of singing to improve people's mental health and wellbeing. With 50% of mental health problems established by the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 24, we believe it's critical to focus on prevention by working with young people. The benefits of singing, especially in groups, are wide-ranging with extensive research supporting the physiological, social, psychological and behavioural benefits. The Sing Up Foundation aims to produce, promote and create opportunities for children and young people to improve their mental health and wellbeing through singing.

Sing Up is seeking an organisation or individual/s to carry out environmental research to help us better understand how the world has changed for children and young people and for the education sector since 2019. For more information, visit: https://www.singup.org/work-with-us/tenders Application deadline: 5pm, 15 March 2024

Help us shape the future of our podcast and add your thoughts to our Inspiring Voices Podcast Listener Survey. We want your voice to be heard and we need your valuable input to make our podcast even better! Please take a few minutes to complete our listener survey and let us know what you love and what you'd like to hear more of. We'd love your feedback! Please complete the survey on Survey Monkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T5STYM7

This brand new music education podcast explores the benefits of singing on mental health and wellbeing, with new episodes out every fortnight. Inspiring Voices is a new music education podcast from the Sing Up Foundation where we consider the unique role of singing, songwriting, voice exploration and creative music-making in improving children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Join Joint Head of Foundation Baz Chapman and his guests - singers, leaders, researchers and other specialists - in inspiring conversations about their own work and experiences, sharing advice, support and inspiration. Our research conversations will also explore the benefits of singing. ​ A great listen for teachers, school leaders, teaching students, community workers, music leaders, singing leaders, choir leaders, charity and mental health workers. Follow, subscribe and leave us a review. Inspiring Voices is available on: Spotify: https://bit.ly/IVPodSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/45ZCVTx Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3raZXrF Audible: https://adbl.co/3MrTjVF Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/IVPodGoogle Each episode can also be viewed on YouTube: https://bit.ly/IVPodPlaylist Leave us a comment or get in touch to let us know any topics that you'd like us to cover or who you would like us to interview in future episodes of our podcast. The first season, funded through support received by Sing Up and the Sing Up Foundation from Round 3 of Arts Council England’s Cultural Recovery Fund, features interviews with: Sophie Garner - Sophie Garner is a singer described by the Times as 'one of the most stylish British vocalists', as well as being a music specialist, educator, speaker, and author of two books: The Creative Songwriting Journal and If You Can't Say It, Sing It! Sophie seeks to change lives through singing and songwriting. Aga Serugo-Lugo - Aga Serugo-Lugo is a vocalist, clarinettist, composer and workshop leader whose interests lie particularly in narrative-based community music-making, focussing on accessibility and inclusivity. He has worked with, amongst many others, Music in Detention, Trinity Laban, MENCAP, Wigmore Hall, Sing Up and numerous opera companies around the UK. He also co-runs Camberwell Community Choir and is Ambassador for Britten Pears Arts' 'Group A' in Lowestoft and Ipswich. Chris Morris - Chris Morris is a community musician working in and around Sheffield. He has helped to set up recording studios for community use, organises music events and Festivals and is a guide and mentor to many young musicians in the city. He is lead practitioner with Yorkshire Youth & Music working with young people in Youth Justice Settings and secure children’s homes, whom they describe as one of their exceptional music leaders, working as he does with some of the nation’s most vulnerable young people, so that they can discover, explore and develop their musical and creative potential. Jane Wheeler - Jane Wheeler is a freelance music education consultant and Director of Living Song, who works with a passion for raising the quality of music-making, developing young leaders and fostering community cohesion. Her many roles have included Music Advisor for the London Borough of Newham, Director of the music programme for ARK Schools, and Director of several choirs including Solid Harmony Youth Community Choir, Forest Voices adult community choir and New Young Voice Collective. Since 2014, Jane has been a leader for British Council’s World Voice programme. Mark Bick - Mark is a renowned and highly experienced community musician and trainer. Most of his working life based in Gloucestershire, particularly starting up what has now become The Music Works. He also worked in the West Midlands developing and leading training courses, including the Quench Arts New Horizons course, which has been running for nearly 20 years. The core of Mark’s work has been with young people who struggle with various barriers, including those excluded from school, who are looked after, or have disabilities. Mark is Vice Chair of Sound Sense, the UK professional association for community musicians. Professor Graham Welch - Professor Graham Welch is Chair of Music Education at University College London, Chair of the Society for Education, Music and Psychology Research and is heavily involved in the International Society for Music Education. He is a former member of the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council Review College for Music and has published numerous research papers into music and particularly singing, not least ‘Researching the Impact of the National Singing Programme ‘Sing Up' in England’ in 2011. SK Shlomo - SK Shlomo is an international non-binary beatbox star, former world looping champion, 3-times TEDx speaker and disability & mental health ambassador. They are also founder of the Beatbox Academy and long-time friend of Sing Up, being as they are, particularly gifted at, and committed to, working with children and young people. Ben Turner – Ben Turner is a Creative Manager, Community Leader, Award-winning Educator and Youth Arts Leader with experience in education, youth activism and creative arts/entertainment. Founding Director of Rap Club Productions C.I.C (home of The Spit Game, SpokenLDN, KingdomLDN), working against serious youth violence and promoting positive youth communities and cultures. He supports schools to embrace young Black cultures and creativity within the curriculum. He is a regular conference speaker and endorsed by the Home Office, TeachFirst, BBC and others for approach to youth work/education. David Lawrence - David Lawrence is one of the UK’s most versatile conductors, who works with symphony orchestras and bands, and with choirs and choruses of all types. But David may be best known as Principal Conductor of the Young Voices arena concerts with thousands of school children.

Our new Inspiring Voices podcast is coming this September. You can subscribe now to get the episodes as they are released. Join us as we explore the power of singing to transform children and young people’s lives. Through conversations with singers, leaders, researchers and other specialists, we’ll consider the unique role of singing, songwriting, voice exploration and creative music-making in improving children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The Sing Up Foundation believes in the power of singing to improve health and wellbeing – so listen in and be inspired! Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform - Spotify: https://bit.ly/IVPodSpotify Apple: https://apple.co/45ZCVTx Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3raZXrF Google: https://bit.ly/IVPodGoogle Supported using public funding by Arts Council England as part of the Cultural Recovery Fund.

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 20 September 2023 Sing Up Foundation launches Inspiring Voices, a new podcast exploring the role of singing in improving mental health and wellbeing This week, the first two episodes of the Sing Up Foundation’s new podcast, Inspiring Voices have been released. Inspiring Voices is a new podcast from the Sing Up Foundation dedicated to exploring the role of singing, songwriting, voice exploration and creative music-making in improving children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The podcast is hosted by the Sing Up Foundation’s Joint Head of Foundation Baz Chapman and features inspiring conversations with singers, leaders, researchers and other music specialists. The first series will feature nine conversations that will be released fortnightly from September to December 2023 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts. Each episode of Inspiring Voices will also be available to view as videos on the Sing Up Foundation’s YouTube channel. This first series has been funded through support received by Sing Up and the Sing Up Foundation from Round 3 of Arts Council England’s Cultural Recovery Fund and the podcast will be of particular interest to teachers, school leaders, teaching students, community workers, music leaders, singing leaders, choir leaders, charity workers and mental health workers. The first episode of the Inspiring Voices podcast, released this week, features a conversation with wellbeing music specialist, educator, author and speaker Sophie Garner. In this episode, Sophie shares her advice with Baz on how to get started with singing with any group and through poignant stories from across her career, she demonstrates how she gets young people involved in songwriting. She also introduces her books on singing to support children & young people's mental health & wellbeing. The second episode, also released this week, will feature a conversation with vocalist, clarinettist, composer and workshop leader Aga Serugo-Lugo. In this inspirational conversation, Aga shares his experiences and views on the value of group singing, the power of performance and tips for leading singing successfully taken from his years of working with groups as wide ranging as Streetwise Opera to local community choirs to children’s groups and Music in Detention to name a few. The first season of Inspiring Voices will also feature conversations with community musician and Yorkshire Youth and Music’s lead practitioner Chris Morris, singing leader and director of Living Song Jane Wheeler, community musician and vice chair of Sound Sense Mark Bick, Chair of Music Education at University College London Professor Graham Welch, international non-binary beatbox star SK Shlomo, Creative Manager, Community Leader, Award-winning Educator Ben Turner and vocal animateur and Principal Conductor of Young Voices David Lawrence. A video trailer for the first season featuring all the guests can be found at https://bit.ly/IVPodTrailer Baz Chapman, Joint Head of Foundation and Inspiring Voices podcast host says: ‘At a time when children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing is of increasing concern, we want Inspiring Voices to shine a light on the outstanding work being done by all sorts of people to transform young lives through singing. The podcast guests have been an absolute privilege to speak with, and we hope they will inspire others to explore how singing and vocal creativity can achieve amazing things’. The first two episodes of Inspiring Voices can be heard now on the following platforms at: Spotify: https://bit.ly/IVPodSpotify Apple: https://apple.co/45ZCVTx Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3raZXrF Google: https://bit.ly/IVPodGoogle YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SingUpFoundation IMAGES: CAPTION: Inspiring Voices podcast cover art. CAPTION: Inspiring Voices podcast guest, Sophie Garner, working with children as part of a songwriting workshop. CAPTION: In his element, Inspiring Voices guest Aga Serugo-Lugo conducting a performance at a festival. ENDS Notes to Editors Inspiring Voices is a new podcast created by the Sing Up Foundation, hosted by Baz Chapman Joint Head of Foundation. Through conversations with singers, leaders, researchers and other specialists, the podcast considers the unique role of singing, songwriting, voice exploration and creative music-making in improving children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The first series will feature nine episodes that will be released fortnightly from September to December 2023. This series has been funded through support received by Sing Up and the Sing Up Foundation from Round 3 of Arts Council England’s Cultural Recovery Fund. The video trailer for the first season of Inspiring Voices can be viewed on the Sing Up Foundation’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/IVPodTrailer Inspiring Voices can be found on the following platforms: Spotify: https://bit.ly/IVPodSpotify Apple: https://apple.co/45ZCVTx Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3raZXrF Google: https://bit.ly/IVPodGoogle The Sing Up Foundation (www.singupfoundation.org) produces, promotes and creates opportunities for children and young people to improve their mental health and wellbeing through singing. Through partnerships, resource development and innovation the Sing Up Foundation – explores and highlight effective practice, connects practice with research, creates research-based pilot projects to build and share knowledge and understanding and increase impact, and supports and develops the workforce and settings surrounding children and young people. The Sing Up Foundation is Sing Up’s charitable arm focused on producing charitable activities through fundraising, partnerships and innovation. The Foundation shares in Sing Up’s goal to ensure that children and young people have opportunities to sing and make music regularly and well for all the benefits that research shows that brings, with a particular focus on mental health and wellbeing. Foundation staff work for Sing Up and sit on Sing Up’s Senior Management Team. Likewise, two members of Sing Up’s staff, including CEO Michelle James, sit on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Sing Up (www.singup.org) is an award-winning organisation that provides resources, training and guidance to support singing and music in schools. Sing Up believes that all children and young people have a right to good quality singing provision, to deepen their understanding of music and singing, raise attainment and develop lasting tools to express themselves with confidence and creativity. With over 15 years of experience at the forefront of music education, Sing Up’s specially arranged songs, teaching tools and support put singing and music at the heart of learning. The full first season of Inspiring Voices will feature conversations with: Sophie Garner - Sophie Garner is a singer described by the Times as 'one of the most stylish British vocalists', as well as being a music specialist, educator, speaker, and author of two books: The Creative Songwriting Journal and If You Can't Say It, Sing It! Sophie seeks to change lives through singing and songwriting. Aga Serugo-Lugo - Aga Serugo-Lugo is a vocalist, clarinettist, composer and workshop leader whose interests lie particularly in narrative-based community music-making, focussing on accessibility and inclusivity. He has worked with, amongst many others, Music in Detention, Trinity Laban, MENCAP, Wigmore Hall, Sing Up and numerous opera companies around the UK. He also co-runs Camberwell Community Choir and is Ambassador for Britten Pears Arts' 'Group A' in Lowestoft and Ipswich. Chris Morris - Chris Morris is a community musician working in and around Sheffield. He has helped to set up recording studios for community use, organises music events and Festivals and is a guide and mentor to many young musicians in the city. He is lead practitioner with Yorkshire Youth & Music working with young people in Youth Justice Settings and secure children’s homes, whom they describe as one of their exceptional music leaders, working as he does with some of the nation’s most vulnerable young people, so that they can discover, explore and develop their musical and creative potential. Jane Wheeler - Jane Wheeler is a freelance music education consultant and Director of Living Song, who works with a passion for raising the quality of music-making, developing young leaders and fostering community cohesion. Her many roles have included Music Advisor for the London Borough of Newham, Director of the music programme for ARK Schools, and Director of several choirs including Solid Harmony Youth Community Choir, Forest Voices adult community choir and New Young Voice Collective. Since 2014, Jane has been a leader for British Council’s World Voice programme. Mark Bick - Mark is a renowned and highly experienced community musician and trainer. Most of his working life based in Gloucestershire, particularly starting up what has now become The Music Works. He also worked in the West Midlands developing and leading training courses, including the Quench Arts New Horizons course, which has been running for nearly 20 years. The core of Mark’s work has been with young people who struggle with various barriers, including those excluded from school, who are looked after, or have disabilities. Mark is Vice Chair of Sound Sense, the UK professional association for community musicians. Professor Graham Welch - Professor Graham Welch is Chair of Music Education at University College London, Chair of the Society for Education, Music and Psychology Research and is heavily involved in the International Society for Music Education. He is a former member of the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council Review College for Music and has published numerous research papers into music and particularly singing, not least ‘Researching the Impact of the National Singing Programme ‘Sing Up' in England’ in 2011. SK Shlomo - SK Shlomo is an international non-binary beatbox star, former world looping champion, 3-times TEDx speaker and disability & mental health ambassador. They are also founder of the Beatbox Academy and long-time friend of Sing Up, being as they are, particularly gifted at, and committed to, working with children and young people. Ben Turner – Ben Turner is a Creative Manager, Community Leader, Award-winning Educator and Youth Arts Leader with experience in education, youth activism and creative arts/entertainment. Founding Director of Rap Club Productions C.I.C (home of The Spit Game, SpokenLDN, KingdomLDN), working against serious youth violence and promoting positive youth communities and cultures. He supports schools to embrace young Black cultures and creativity within the curriculum. He is a regular conference speaker and endorsed by the Home Office, TeachFirst, BBC and others for approach to youth work/education. David Lawrence - David Lawrence is one of the UK’s most versatile conductors, who works with symphony orchestras and bands, and with choirs and choruses of all types. But David may be best known as Principal Conductor of the Young Voices arena concerts with thousands of school children. For further information and photos, please contact Celi Barberia or Baz Chapman (info@singupfoundation.org), 0204 566 9666

Over Autumn 2023 on the Sing Up Foundation podcast, Inspiring Voices, we'll be meeting fascinating singers, teachers, researchers and more, to explore singing for mental health & wellbeing for children & young people. Ahead of our first 2 episodes, featuring Sophie Garner and Aga Serugo-Lugo, we're delighted to share our trailer to give you a flavour of what's coming. You can subscribe now to get the episodes as they are released: Spotify: https://bit.ly/IVPodSpotify Apple: https://apple.co/45ZCVTx Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3raZXrF Google: https://bit.ly/IVPodGoogle The Sing Up Foundation believes in the power of singing to improve health and wellbeing – so listen in and be inspired! Supported using public funding by Arts Council England as part of the Cultural Recovery Fund.