WE’VE all heard of singing for your supper, but singing for your health?
That’s right. Group singing has been proven to combat loneliness and depression, helping people remain socially connected.
Realising this, award-winning social entrepreneur and soprano Tania de Jong founded Creativity Australia, which builds supportive networks that help people connect and enjoy the neuroscientific benefits of community singing, through its With One Voice program.
There are community choirs inVictoria at Altona Meadows, Ashburton, Geelong, Dandenong, Melbourne, St Kilda and Wantirna, as well as in NSW and Queensland.
The choirs unite people aged from nine to 90, from all faiths and walks of life – migrants, people with disabilities, jobseekers, executives, seniors, students, refugees and more. They are led by professional conductors and meet weekly.
At each gathering, participants are also invited to share what they wish for, regardless of how big or small. Others across all choirs have the chance to make these wishes come true.
To date, wishes have included singing lessons, assistance in learning music theory, finding work as a social worker, a boyfriend, clothing for the homeless and someone to mind a pet chihuahua while the owner is away.
Ms de Jong said Swinburne University research showed that 98 per cent of With One Voice choir participants experience less stress, 91 per cent report improved social bonds and 66 per cent feel less depressed.
“Neuroscience proves that singing makes people happier, healthier, smarter and more creative,” she said.
“Through uniting more and more communities in song, we aim to create positive outcomes for people affected by mental illness, disability, disadvantage, unemployment or homelessness.
“We welcome all communities from acrossAustralia to apply for seed funding to create a With One Voice program and be part of the solution to building stronger communities and reducing loneliness, isolation and disadvantage.”
Applications for another round of funding to establish choirs close on March 17.
- For information and guidelines about expressing interest in a $10,000 grant, and to find out more about With One Voice, www.creativityaustralia.org.au