The experiences of participants and leaders of RBS sessions, v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Arts in Health addressing Health Inequalities: Experiences of participants and leaders of Relax, Breathe and Sing sessions
IRAS ID
354286
Contact name
Renee Timmers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research evidence is growing demonstrating the potential benefits that participation in group singing activities can have for wellbeing and health. However, access to group singing is very unequal, with some groups who might benefit from it, not being able to access it. Cultural, socioeconomic and health barriers play a role, which includes the way group singing is delivered.
This research examines the feasibility and outcomes of group singing for women with health issues from ethnic minority backgrounds delivered in the form of Relax, Breathe and Sing (RBS) workshops. These workshops are part of a collaboration between a pain clinic, Arts in Health, and a community musician trained in singing for lung health. Women are recruited to join the workshops via the pain clinic and nearby GP sites that serve relatively deprived areas of Sheffield.
The main research questions are: What have been positive aspects of participation, what has been challenging, how has this developed over time, and how have the RBS sessions been adapted to facilitate participation of this participant group?
Between 10-16 women attending the RBS workshops will be recruited to volunteer as participants in the research, as will the RBS workshop leader. Recruitment will be through voluntary sign-up. Data collection will happen at regular intervals across a period of 8 months about the experiences of participants and the session leader using questionnaires and interviews. Audio recordings are made of the sessions to document the workshop delivery and singing behaviours. The research is part funded by a WRoCAH doctoral scholarship.
This research advances the understanding of the benefits and barriers that participants with health issues from diverse backgrounds experience in participating in singing for health workshops, and the ways singing practices can be adjusted to reduce barriers, and support positive outcomes.REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0522
Date of REC Opinion
16 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion