Singing by the Sea from 5 to 103

The environment

Singing by the Sea supported the environment in a number of thoughtful, creative ways: Sustainable Artwork: A lot of the visual elements used in the project — from set dressing to participant-made decorations — were created using recycled or repurposed materials. This not only reduced waste but also helped raise awareness of environmental issues through creative expression. Local Delivery: The project took place within walking or public transport distance for most participants, helping to reduce travel emissions. We also encouraged car sharing and accessible transport planning to lower our environmental impact. Connection to Nature: By hosting sessions close to the coastline and incorporating themes of the sea and natural environment, the project deepened participants' appreciation of the local landscape — helping build a culture of care for the natural world. Minimal Single-Use Waste: We avoided unnecessary plastic and single-use items, using washable, reusable materials where possible throughout our events.

The local economy

The Singing by the Sea project supported the local economy in several meaningful ways: Local Venue Hire: By hosting our final performance at a local theatre and holding rehearsals in a community hall, we invested directly in community-run and independent spaces. This helped sustain vital cultural and civic venues. Partnership with Local Schools: We collaborated with a nearby primary school, building connections between cultural organisations and the education sector. This kind of partnership opens the door to future opportunities and helps embed creativity into the local learning economy. Community Engagement and Footfall: Our intergenerational events brought over 200 people together, and members visited local cafés and shops before or after sessions and performances, boosting nearby businesses. Future Growth: By demonstrating success at a local level, the project has created opportunities to grow similar community-based creative health initiatives, which can offer sustainable employment for local artists, facilitators, and venues.

Volunteering, jobs & education

The Singing by the Sea project increased volunteering opportunities and access to education in several valuable ways: High-Quality Music Education: The project delivered inclusive, accessible music education to both the Connect Community Choir and a local primary school class. Adults and children learned side-by-side, developing musical skills, confidence, and creativity in a nurturing, non-judgemental environment. Volunteering Pathways: As part of our growth, we actively built a network of volunteers to support the choir’s development — from welcoming roles and pastoral care, to production support and event coordination. These roles gave participants a meaningful way to contribute and belong. Structured Volunteer Roles: We are now developing formal job descriptions for key volunteer positions, laying the foundation for future paid opportunities. This helps build leadership, employability, and sustainable community involvement as we expand the organisation and its impact.

Arts, culture & heritage

Singing by the Sea has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the cultural life of our area. We brought together musicians, creative facilitators, a videographer, and photographer to co-create a powerful intergenerational performance with local schoolchildren and members of Connect Choir. The process highlighted the value of community arts, culminating in a sold-out show at Lowther Pavilion, raising both revenue for the venue and visibility for inclusive, creative health work. We also captured the process through video interviews and photography, preserving stories and experiences that celebrate shared heritage across generations. Our social media and press coverage further raised the profile of participatory arts in our area, encouraging ongoing community engagement in the creative sector. This project has shown the strength of local cultural collaboration and helped demonstrate the positive role the arts play in wellbeing, connection, and place-making.

Activity, health and leisure

Our Singing by the Sea project promoted health, activity, and leisure by embedding Singing for Creative Health principles throughout every stage of the work. Weekly rehearsals and workshops offered accessible, low-impact physical activity through singing and movement — improving breath control, posture, and energy, particularly for older participants, including those living with dementia. Singing together also supports mental health and emotional wellbeing, reducing isolation, building confidence, and creating moments of joy, connection, and shared purpose. The project encouraged leisure through creativity, offering participants a fun, structured, and meaningful way to engage with others and express themselves. By linking generations through music-making, the project created a space where participants could reflect, play, and enjoy being part of something bigger — reinforcing the idea that creative leisure is vital for a healthy, resilient community.