Policy Research Review | Sing Up Foundation

Policy Research Overview - Children & Young People's Mental Health & Wellbeing

Emily Foulkes - May 2023

There is a growing body of literature which supports the notion that singing can provide a host of psychological, social and physical benefits. One of the first published peer reviewed papers was UK study in 2001. This explored the impacts of singing with adults in a choir. Findings highlighted that group singing promoted positive well-being and improved posture and breathing, amongst other noted benefits. Younger participants in this study reported that the social benefits were the most pertinent.

Since this study, research continues to echo the potential for singing to promote psychological, physical and social benefits.

Within the context of policy

Beyond the mainstream

The Arts and Health Movement

Children and Young People’s Mental Health (in the context of Covid-19)

Overview of research on singing for mental health and well-being of children and young people

Summary / considerations / research limitations

About Singing for
Mental Health

Understanding Mental Health

Singing for Mental Health

Exploring Effective Practice

In this section

Singing & Health - the evidence

Types of Singing Activity for Mental Health

Music Therapy & Music Participation

Creative vocals and 'agency' in singing - a rapid research review

Policy Research Overview - Children & Young People's Mental Health & Wellbeing

Looking for more research?

Check out our Research Summaries for easy-to-digest updates on recent research into singing and mental health.

About the author

Emily Foulkes is the Director of Music for Good, a music for well-being charity in Cornwall. She has worked in music and well-being for more than 20 years, having previously worked for the National Foundation for Youth Music in the Policy and Programmes department, and worked with the team at Youth Music to secure funding which led to her lead on the setting up and managing of national programmes and networks.

Emily is a Singing for Health practitioner, researcher, trainer and consultant. She has developed a Singing for Health programme in Cornwall, securing funds for a Singing Clinic programme with Social Prescribing and NHS funding to work in acute care. She received a bursary for her MA with Voice Workshop and completed research in Singing for Health.

Emily is Founder and Director of the Singing for Health Network, which aims to bridge research and practice, and support the Singing for Health Movement.