Suffolk Libraries will be helping people to hit the right note in the new year with new free singing workshops at Leiston Library.
From 15 January the library will launch a seven-week series of ‘Tonic: Singing for Health’ sessions for adults in partnership with Cohere Arts. The sessions are free, 90-minute weekly singing workshops particularly suited for anyone who may be living with health challenges. Led by a singing for health specialist, each workshop will include breathing exercises, gentle vocal warm-ups and a range of songs, old and new.
Tonic: Singing for Health is part of Suffolk Libraries new Creative Health strategy and is one of five partnerships we are currently rolling out across libraries, in Spring 2025. With support from SAGES (Suffolk Advice Guidance and Emotional Support) funding, together with health partners, we have identified Leiston as a target area and opportunity to support people’s health challenges, creatively.
The singing for health sessions start from Wednesday 15 January and will then run every Wednesday from 10.30AM to 12PM for six weeks; the seventh week will act as the celebration event where invited guests will be able to enjoy what the group have achieved during this time.
Research has shown that singing regularly with others has many health benefits including the improvement of cardiorespiratory functions and immune system, reduction of stress hormone levels and increased feelings of connection with others.
The sessions will end with a little social time over a complimentary cup of tea. All activities are optional and it’s fine to join in as much or as little as you want to with no need to book. Assistance dogs and companions are warmly welcomed to join the sessions too.
Dr Amy Mallett, Artistic/Executive Director at Cohere Arts, said:
"Cohere Arts is excited to be bringing this new workshop series to Leiston Library. We've seen in our projects how singing together with others can help support people living with a variety of health challenges. You don't need to have any previous experience or be a 'fantastic' singer - it's about getting together with others and having a bit of fun. People can also pop in just to listen and see if it's for them."
Chrissie Meikle, Senior Creative Health Producer, said:
"Suffolk Libraries is delighted to be partnering with Cohere Arts once again and hosting Tonic: Singing for Health at Leiston library. This pilot project is an integral part of the development of our Creative Health strategy and programming, and hope following its success, will continue to be programmed in libraries across Suffolk. Tonic: Singing for Health already has an excellent reputation in other venues, and I feel it’s even more crucial for this project to take place in libraries too."
Feedback from participants of a similar group which Cohere runs in Ipswich:
