A community choir has been set up in Arbroath to boost well-being and tackle the stigma of mental health.
Coisir Sunnd is open to anyone with the emphasis on fun and friendship and it is hoped the choir will prove singing is “good for the soul”.
The choir is one of a range of ideas being rolled out by the congregation at St Andrew’s Church to complement existing mental health services, statutory and voluntary, many of which are finding themselves stretched beyond capacity.
Since May 2018, the congregation has been planning and praying about how best it might seek to support those from across the Arbroath community who struggle in one way or another.
Minister Martin Fair said all of the services were based on the principle of “non-judgemental, compassionate listening and on the basis that wellbeing comes firstly from social inclusion and associated therapeutic activity”.
First off the ground is Coisir Sunnd, a community choir, open to singers and non-singers alike, and with the emphasis on fun and friendship rather that concerts and performance.
Mr Fair said singing was “good for the soul and that we feel better when singing with others”.
Headed up by Carol Ann Thain, who also runs the Military Wives Choir at RM Condor, and supported by a team of congregation volunteers, the Tuesday evening sessions will be split between fun singing, coffee and conversation.
“Of course we hope that people who struggle with mental health and poor self esteem will come along and enjoy the community choir but it’s all about inclusion so it’s really open to anyone at all – from those who are looking for a social group to belong to, to those who only ever sing in the shower and want to try singing with others,” said Rev Fair.
“The first choir night was attended by 31 people, men and women, and from age 18 to 90.
“The choir’s strapline is, ‘Sing for the health of it!’”
Instrumental in bringing this project to the start line has been Helen Wallace who has served as a short-term development worker and turned a set of raw ideas into workable proposals.
The congregation will also open a three-times-a-week drop-in option with the emphasis on warmth of welcome, on listening and relationship building, and on making sure that everyone who attends knows they are cared for and valued.
Mr Fair said: “We recognise the excellent work that is already being done and very much hope we can add to what’s available.
“But we continue to hear too many stories of people who are struggling – from every walk of life – and who often find themselves having to wait months for the support that they so desperately need.
“If we can help to bridge that gap and support people while they wait, or point them to where other help may be found, we’ll have done our job.”
Mr Fair was at pains to point out that these new projects are for anyone and not restricted to those who might view themselves as ‘religious.’
