
WAST (Women Asylum Seekers Together) Choir
A choir of women seeking asylum, who meet weekly & sing together at various events to raise the profile of Asylum SeekersBenefit of singing and music
Singing has been shown to offer social, personal and mood benefits for adults, and a lot of evidence highlights the benefits specifically for older people. For people with dementia, singing activities can reduce symptoms of depression and behavioural issues. Singing in a group encourages social bonding, group identity and inclusion across cultural groups. Music also improves mental wellbeing and has been associated with reduced anxiety in young adults and reduced risk of depression in older people. It can support bonding between mothers and infants and plays a part in language development. Music and singing may also improve quality of life and coping for people living with health conditions.
Location
City wide
Project team
Women Asylum Seekers Together
Buzz – provided funding for choir expenses
Aim
These are some of the most isolated and stigmatized women in Manchester. Some are expected to live with no recourse to public funding. The women have found that singing together can give respite to their severe anxiety and depression. They build support between one another, and learn to tell their stories, despite judgement and ignorance.
Testimonial:
“I feel stronger when I am singing with my sisters. I am more able to face the world.”
Evaluation
The project will continue when shutdown is lifted, and the choir are able to meet together again. It is, for some, the only social contact they have, through the week. The WAST choir has performed to a growing number of audiences. It is a source of comfort and strength, and an expression of the wider membership of WAST.
Strategic links to local/national policies
Benefit |
Policy |
Increased mental wellbeing |
|
Social and wellbeing benefits for older people |
Taking Charge of our Health and Social Care in Greater Manchester (GMCA, 2015) |
Increased social cohesion |
|
Good start in life for children |
Taking Charge of our Health and Social Care in Greater Manchester (GMCA, 2015) |
Encourages social connection and inclusion |
|
Helps with coping for people with health conditions |
Research/evidence base
WHO Regional Office for Europe (2019) What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review
Van der Stein et al (2018) Music‐based therapeutic interventions for people with dementia, Cochrane Systematic Review
Daykin et al (2017) What works for wellbeing? A systematic review of wellbeing outcomes for music and singing in adults. Perspectives in Public Health, 138 (1), pp. 39-46
What Works for Wellbeing (2016) Review of the Grey Literature: Music, Singing and Wellbeing
A Choir In Every Care Home (2016) A Review Of Research On The Value Of Singing For Older People
Contact
Bernie Murphy - Neighbourhood Health Worker
T: 07971331537
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