Theory of Change: Singing for Health

Goal

To improve community health and wellbeing by embedding singing within Australia’s Social Prescription Framework, making it as accessible and normalised as exercise.

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Inputs / Activities

• Develop Singing for Health resources (fact sheets, guides, evidence summaries).

• Training programs for conductors, choir leaders, singing teachers → safe Singing for Health spaces.

• Workshops and demonstrations for GPs and health workers on medical benefits of singing.

• Directory of community choirs aligned with Social Prescription Framework.

• Awareness campaigns to change public perception: singing = health practice.

• Partnerships with health services, arts organisations, and community centres.

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Outputs

• GPs and health professionals knowledgeable about singing’s evidence-based health benefits.

• Health practitioners begin prescribing singing alongside exercise and other wellbeing activities.

• Increased access to safe, affordable, and inclusive community singing groups.

• Choir leaders and singing professionals skilled in wellbeing-focused delivery.

• Public awareness that anyone can sing for health benefits (not just trained singers).

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Short-term Outcomes (1–3 years)

• Individual: Participants experience reduced stress, improved mood, better breathing and posture, and greater social connection.

• GPs/Health system: More confidence among GPs to prescribe singing; health professionals connected to a choir directory and trained practitioners.

• Community: Singing becomes visible as a normal wellbeing activity (like yoga or walking).

• Professional sector: Conductors and singing teachers gain new skills and income streams through health-focused work.

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Medium-term Outcomes (3–7 years)

• Health: Reduced loneliness, lower stress and anxiety, improved lung function in patients with chronic conditions, and increased community wellbeing.

• Social: Stronger community networks, cross-cultural inclusion, greater confidence and belonging across diverse groups.

• Healthcare system: Singing embedded in social prescribing pathways, leading to decreased GP visits for stress-related conditions.

• Sector growth: A professionalised Singing for Health workforce, recognised by healthcare providers and insurers.

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Long-term Impacts (7+ years)

• Singing is widely perceived and practised as a health-promoting activity, alongside exercise.

• Population health improvements: measurable reductions in loneliness, mental health burden, and respiratory health issues.

• Health system benefits: reduced demand on medical services from preventable stress-related conditions, better patient self-management.

• Cultural shift: Singing seen as a universal, inclusive activity accessible to all Australians, regardless of age, culture, or background.

• Global leadership: Australia recognised as a model for integrating arts into health policy.