The Singwell Project

SingWell - Building connection, one song at a time.

Social isolation and loneliness are now recognized as critical public health issues, linked to depression, heart disease, and dementia. While older adults are most at risk, the need for genuine connection affects people of all ages. Community choirs, therapy programs, and religious gatherings offer some benefits, but access is often limited by cost, eligibility, or performance expectations.

As researchers studying the psychology of music, we saw firsthand how singing together enhances mood, strengthens belonging, and fosters resilience.  But we recognized a gap: no national model existed to make the benefits of singing widely accessible.

SingWell fills that gap by offering radically accessible, research-informed group singing opportunities. Our drop-in choirs welcome all backgrounds and abilities, eliminating barriers of cost, commitment, and performance. Facilitators are trained in evidence-based techniques that intentionally foster wellbeing, connection, and joy.

Backed by peer-reviewed research and national partnerships, SingWell has already demonstrated measurable benefits to participants’ mood, stress, and social connectedness. We have established a national network of choirs and research collaborators, and are now developing a sustainable business model through the SVZ to expand programs, train facilitators, and build Canada’s National Centre for Singing and Wellbeing.

Arla Good, Meghan Hila, Frank Russo, and Amber Krogel, Co-Founders

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