Singing to boost festive spirits and improve mental health

With the festive season approaching, one mental health charity is encouraging people to join in a virtual singalong.

Run by Changes Bristol in partnership with Riff Raff Choir, the Barton Hill-based charity want to raise awareness about mental wellbeing during the Christmas period while raising money to support services it provides across Bristol.

Since the first lockdown measures were introduced in March 2020, Changes Bristol has seen three times as many new members accessing their services, responding first hand to the growing issues of isolation and anxiety and the pandemic continues.

“Singing is a natural antidepressant, mood uplifter and is a great strategy for tackling stress,” says Jason Washbourne, project manager at Changes Bristol. “This is why we think it is the perfect event that will not only be fun for communities across the city, but also a great platform for those that might currently be struggling, as well as raising awareness about prevalent mental health issues.”

Riff Raff Choir are also running groups virtually. Image: Riff Raff Choir

The charity, along with Riff Raff Choir, which hosts choirs across the city and currently operates online, hope that the event will not only raise money for Changes Bristol, but bring together communities from across Bristol, no matter people’s backgrounds and cultures, and encourage expression through music.

The event will be hosted during The Big Give Christmas Challenge, with any donation made to Changes Bristol from December 1-8 being doubled.

Results from the 2020 Changes Bristol member survey found that through attendance to peer support groups, 86 per cent of members feel less socially isolated and have a better ability to cope with negative feelings – emotions which have been heightened due to the pandemic.

The charity was able to adapt quickly to the pandemic, moving groups online within two weeks of the first lockdown. Currently, eight support groups run online each week, alongside a one-to-one phone befriending service.

Peer-based support groups have moved online during the pandemic. Photo: Changes Bristol

“As a small organisation it has been essential for us to adapt so we can be there for those who need us,” Jason says. “The whole team worked hard to transfer our peer support meetings online and launch a befriending service for those who cannot access virtual groups.

“We are so proud of the determination from everyone to keep supporting those that are experiencing difficulties with their mental health.”

With Christmas fast approaching, which is ordinarily a busy period for mental health support services anyway, Changes Bristol is anticipating more local people than ever will seek support from their vital services.

Funds raised from the virtual signing event will help the charity support people across the city during a winter period which is looking to be harder for many than usual.

Main photo: Changes Bristol

Read more: Changes Bristol: changing lives for the better