Music charity, Sing Up Foundation, has appointed a research team from University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. The research will focus on the impact that singing has on the wellbeing and mental health of refugee children.
The team will conduct a literature review and evaluation of the benefits of singing on young refugees, with intent to support those working with unaccompanied minors to use effective evidence-based singing strategies. Resources and recommendations for future projects will be developed.
The research time is supported by a British Council grant designed to continue the legacy of the World Voice Programme, which was inherited by Sing Up Foundation. This latest step is inspired by previous World Voice projects with refugees in Palestine and Greece.
‘We are very happy to be working with the Sing Up Foundation on this important research project,’ says researchers Dr Hala Jaber, Dr Fran Garry and Professor Helen Phelan. ‘Much of our work focuses on the role of music in supporting the inclusion, health and wellbeing of refugees, particularly in post-conflict contexts.’
‘We believe that the best learning comes from combining practice with research and are looking forward to uncovering and sharing, through this project, the knowledge and experiences of excellent music practices when working with refugees and unaccompanied minors.’
Celi Barberia, head of Sing Up Foundation said, ‘We have been so inspired by the work we have seen with young refugees and wanted to support the sector with this research to help inform practice and promote the impact that it can have on the lives of these very vulnerable young people.
‘We are passionate about the benefits of singing on health and wellbeing and hope that through this research review we can help support those working with young refugees and unaccompanied minors to use the most effective evidence-based singing strategies to help improve outcomes.’
