EMPLOYERS and employees from Southampton can find out how singing can help reduce workplace stress at a free Wellbeing at Work event next Tuesday (November 1, 2022).
SingForce will be at the Southampton Mental Health Network (SMHN) hosted charity event at West Quay Shopping Centre on November 1 from 1pm until 3pm.
Gavin Munn, Facilitator at SingForce, who will be attending the Wellbeing at Work day, says: “At Singforce, we visit various businesses, charities and organisations every single week to deliver wellbeing singing sessions for employees and staff. We know first-hand what a difference group singing can make to the workforce and I am looking forward to attending the Wellbeing at Work event to lead passers-by in group singing warm-ups from 1-3pm and let them know what we’re all about.
“Singing for wellbeing is a science-backed solution for the workplace that’s making waves in the media.”
A recent study by the University of Leicester found that singing in a work choir can help to reduce workplace stress by 96% and feelings of social isolation by 86%.
Xann Schwinn, Co-Founder and CEO of SingForce, said: “SingForce offers accessible singing programmes that lead to healthier organisations from the inside out.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Southampton’s Mental Health Network’s free Wellbeing at Work event, on November 1. We deliver fun, engaging and accessible sessions which are open to anybody and everybody, regardless of ability. Our songs are uplifting and emotive, designed to help develop skills and build confidence.
“Not only is it something exciting and different to do during the working day, but it also strengthens bonds between colleagues. Singing is powerful and we want the people at West Quay’s Shopping Centre, to experience it.”
SMHN’s Wellbeing at Work event includes expert speakers, stalls and refreshments.
The event will begin with a welcome from Annie Clewlow from Communicare, which has been the lead organisation in the charity’s development.
Speakers include Stephen Manion, Executive Director of Go Southampton, who will be addressing attendees for 10-15 minutes from 1pm, as well as Heather Langley from Target Health Group and Dan Desmond from Fit 4 Life Hampshire.
Heather will also offer people a fully clothed mini-massage and posture assessment.
Stallholders include Barclay’s Bank and SO:Linked, Southern Health NHS, Steps to Wellbeing, Parent Support Link, Board in the City, Re-start, which is part of Fedcap/Palladium, St Deny’s Activity Group, Brightside Personal Training and SMILE, the lived experience arm of SMHN.
Sue Hayward, Interim Chair of Trustees for SMHN and mental health educator, trainer, coach and mentor, who teaches the Mental Health First Aid Course, says: “Our event is appropriate for both businesses and their teams, it emphasises the importance of good mental health in the workplace, and how this can benefit businesses.
“We want to show employers that developing positive workplace mental wellbeing policies need not be expensive and can help increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and retain good people. It’s open to all, whether you’re a business owner, someone who manages a team or anyone in work.
“We are thrilled to have Gavin from SingForce attending our event and we hope lots of people come along to find out what it is all about and consider giving singing in the workplace a go.”
SMHN became publicly active in 2019 and, with more than 100 member organisations involved in its development, became a charity in September this year.
Working together, these organisations want to make Southampton a mental health friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all.
The network is supported by Southampton City Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group through the Integrated Commissioning Unit (ICU).
SMHN aims to create welcoming spaces for discussion, be understanding and supportive of those living with mental ill-health, boost wellbeing and resilience and improve attitudes, awareness and education in the city.
SMHN’s free Wellbeing at Work event is on the Ground Floor of West Quay Shopping Centre on Tuesday, November 1, 10am-3pm and everyone is welcome to attend.
Sue adds: “It’s free to attend. No need to book. Just turn up! Drop in and don’t worry if you can’t stay all day – we’ll have a programme running from 10am-3pm and will have further details on our website.”
To join or find out more about SMHN or the Wellbeing at Work event, please visit www.smhn.org.uk.
