By Lucy Neill | 2 July 2026
The popular Tonic: Singing for Health is celebrating its 50th sing-along event at Leiston Library this July.
Part of Suffolk Community Libraries’ Creative Health strategy , Tonic: Singing for Health is an initiative designed in partnership with Cohere Arts, to offer a weekly singing sessions to bring people together in music, in a welcoming space.
Led by singing leader and composer Francis Goodhand, the sessions are particularly suited for people living with a variety of health challenges but everyone is welcome.
Since launching as a pilot in January 2025, the weekly sessions have grown into a thriving community, welcoming 43 returning participants and attracting an average of 25 people at each session. An impact survey also found that 63% of participants reported improvements to their health and wellbeing as a result of attending.
Anyone interested in joining in with the 50th session on Wednesday 8 July or finding out more about these sessions can email wellbeing@suffolk.gov.uk.
Further sessions are planned for September, with details to be announced soon.
“We’ve shared a lot of laughter; if nothing else, it has felt like real escapism for an hour on a Wednesday morning. Now people arrive early to chat; and stay a long time afterwards for tea, coffee and more chat. People have made new connections and friends, attending one another’s different social groups including choirs and musical ventures. Above all, it’s an exercise in wellbeing.
“This has been some of the most rewarding work I have ever done – a rare opportunity for me to be myself and share what I know and love.”
“It’s the highlight of my week. I look forward to coming each week and meeting the friends I have made and new people. It has given me more confidence and made me much happier. I enjoy hearing about the background of the music and Francis’ anecdotes. It’s the best thing I have done since moving here.”
“The tonic singing session on a Wednesday morning have been a wonderful experience. An hour of fun and laughter. I look forward to it every week. Francis is amazing as our instructor, making everyone feel at ease even those of us with no musical talent. I wish to thank you for such a lovely weekly event at the library.”
“You have created a warm and friendly group. The songs are perfectly chosen for our very mixed ability group, with effective harmonies. This group is great fun, and I have made contacts who are becoming good friends. Thank you for running it!”
“Widowed 10 months ago, I have found the singing at Leiston Library a real joy. Folk to talk with, the exercises and singing for physical, mental and brain health. I really look forward to Wednesday mornings – we have lots of laughs and laughing in company is so much better than laughing alone.”
“Brings joy, laughter, hope. A ‘feel good’ morning. Acknowledges feelings and being yourself. Been so helpful to have music in my life – always gets me right in my being. Always been a friendly group – very inclusive. Still struggle to sing but it’s given me a determination to carry on regardless. Thank you so much.”
The Singing for Health sessions are run in partnership with Cohere Arts, providing free singing workshops for anyone who may be living with health challenges. Led by a Singing for Health specialist, each workshop will include breathing exercises, gentle vocal warm-ups and a range of songs, old and new.
Tonic: Singing for Health is made possible with support from Suffolk’s advice, guidance and emotional support service (SAGES) and funding from Sizewell C Community Fund. The previous sessions were funded by Suffolk’s advice, guidance and emotional support service (SAGES) and the Community Partnership, East Suffolk Council.
You can read more about the Spring 2025 sessions in our impact report.
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