Military Wives Choirs Foundation honoured with RSPH Special Commendation
RSPH Arts & Health Awards 2015, 28 Portland Place, London. Picture by: www.matthewwalkerphotography.com
We are delighted to have received a Special Commendation from the Royal Society for Public Health’s Art and Health Awards for our research study into the health impact of singing and being part of a Military Wives Choir. The RSPH arts and health awards recognise organisations and initiatives that draw on the power of music, visual arts, drama and dance to help promote health and wellbeing.
The awards took place at the Royal Society for Public Health in London where the North London Military Wives Choirs proudly opened proceedings. The Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC presented the award to Sara Smalley, MWCF Trustee. Sara said “The Military Wives Choirs Foundation is delighted to receive this commendation. We knew that Military Wives Choirs were providing fun and friendship, but we were greatly encouraged by results of the research showing the deeper health and wellbeing impact. Involvement in the RSPH awards has provided us with a spotlight to herald the positive health benefits of being a member of a Military Wives Choir. MWCF provides support and services to women in the military community wherever they are based, across a network of 75 choirs.”
Working in partnership with the Sidney De Haan Centre at Canterbury Christ Church University we surveyed members of the Military Wives Choirs network in late 2014 to determine first-hand the health and wellbeing impact of singing together. These responses highlighted the powerful positive impact of being part of a Military Wives Choir. 73% of choir members felt a stronger sense of wellbeing since joining a Military Wives Choir, 85% increased in confidence through performing and 80% noted a positive effect on their health as a result of singing.
Listen to an interview with Sara Smalley on BFBS Radio here:
