Creating safe spaces for young people through song

By Carys Wynne-Morgan, Chief Executive, The Aloud Charity

At Aloud we work with young people from the ages of 9-25 in various group singing activities. Our two main projects are Only Boys Aloud, a series of choirs for secondary school age boys, and Aloud Voices, regional mixed voice choirs. Both activities operate across south-east Wales.

Safe spaces

One of the things we are most proud of is that our young people refer to our activities as safe spaces. At Aloud they can be themselves as well as find their voice literally and metaphorically. We have learnt that providing consistent weekly opportunities during term time with a team of inspiring leaders supports us with this. In each rehearsal there will be both a music leader and a community leader. Meaning that we support our young people both musically and pastorally in each session and during performance opportunities. This allows our participants to both develop their music skills as well as be able to talk through concerns with impartial adults on topics such as being bullied in school, living with a parent with a health concern, or ideas on what to do after finishing school.

“I feel being part of Only Boys Aloud is like a big family, where we all respect each other, but have fun and work together to create the best we can collectively, embracing Welsh culture and identity.” Only Boys Aloud participant

“When my son left a musical in London, as a 13-year-old with a newly broken voice and as a result no confidence in his voice, I convinced him to try Only Boys Aloud in Merthyr (which he did rather nervously and reluctantly), as I honestly thought he would never sing again. The journey Only Boys Aloud have taken him on has been amazing, both with his confidence in his voice and socially, and has given him so many “once in a lifetime” experiences.” Only Boys Aloud parent

All our leaders have regular safeguarding training, annual opportunities to engage in diversity training, and termly team meetings to discuss areas of best practice and concern. This promotes cohesion across the team, as well as helping to make sure quality of service is maintained in different communities.

Benefits of singing

There has been well-documented research on the benefits of singing. It reduces stress and anxiety, and gives people a sense of purpose and achievement. Singing supports identity formation and self-confidence. It facilitates self-development and ways to cope with negative emotions. As well as being an uplifting experience, promoting happiness and well-being. As a mindful activity, singing increases focus and boosts self-esteem, building social cohesion through a sense of inclusion and community.

From evaluation, 69% of Only Boys Aloud participants reported being better at working in a team, 46% were better at dealing with pressure, 36% were more disciplined with schoolwork, 24% plan to do further education when they weren’t before, and 91% of parents noticed an improvement in their child’s behaviour at home.

Why we work with boys

Recent research suggests that teenage boys were hit hardest by the Covid-19 lockdowns. Studies show that over the long-term, teenage boys’ mental health has been more adversely affected than others. For those moving between primary and secondary school in the lockdown periods, boys have been least able to form new social groups and friendships. It is also becoming clear that to support this it’s important for boys to have positive male role models in their lives beyond home and school life. Aloud therefore has a critical part to play in making a difference to young boys’ lives.

“I think the main thing that stood out for me is how inclusive it is for everyone. And even though I hated my singing voice (and at times still do) and wasn’t very confident about it, it’s as if someone is just sat there saying: ‘I don’t mind how good or bad you sing, just come along to it. Have fun, socialise, and enjoy it’, rather than seeing it as a thing you have to be good at to join.” Only Boys Aloud participant

More than just choirs

Because we believe in the power of song, Aloud’s ambition is to get as many young people as possible singing. While we do this through our regular choir offer, we also offer packages to schools and one-off workshop opportunities for community groups that support mental well-being and team building.

“The choir is boosting my confidence, not just in singing but in making friends, speaking to people and in school.”  Only Boys Aloud participant

Anyone interested in finding out more about getting involved in our work or having Aloud perform or run a workshop for your community, please get in touch with us on: [email protected]