sound health
a commitment to mind, body & life
a passion for creativity
What do we do? Well, our comprehensive suite of professional services caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from grass roots organisations to government departments and the for-profit sector.
Research
We believe research is the key to creative solution finding. Guided by the scientific literature, we design and conduct innovative research to ensure your programs and services are evidence-based.
Program design
Drawing on principles of co-design and best practice for the field, we’ll work with you to develop bespoke arts-health programs that are the right fit for your organisation or community.
Collaboration
Getting the right people together at the right time is crucial for success. We excel at finding the right people and developing meaningful collaborations to make your programs work.
Training
Whether you want to upskill, develop staff training programs, or build capacity within your organisation or community, we can support you to develop and implement training programs that meet your needs.
Evaluation
We know how important it is to be able to demonstrate the value of your programs to funders and other stakeholders. We use a range of methodologies and frameworks to assess the impact and success of your programs.
Consulting
If you would like advice on conducting research, designing programs, developing training or evaluation frameworks or getting health messages to the right audience, we are happy and available to advise on any challenge, big or small.
flagship programs
in harmony
Co-founder Esther Couch ran the highly successful “In Harmony” program in 2018 and 2019, taking classical music from the concert hall to people experiencing homelessness and mental illness, and to members of the public across central Sydney. The programs finished with more formal concerts in Parliament and Customs House, designed to raise awareness about the importance of music for people with mental illness.
colouring the spectrum
In collaboration with Sydney Based Artist, Marisabel Gonzalez, Anita Connell and the team from Tuned In Music Therapy hosted a series of 8 workshops for young adults with a disability to develop their skills in art and music creation. The final works, art accompanied by music, were showcased in a gallery exhibition.
moody tunes
MoodyTunes is an innovative digital tool developed by co-founder Sandra Garrido and team that uses music to support emotional well-being in young people. Evidence-based, co-designed with young people and in collaboration with our partners at NSW Health, the Mental Health Commission of NSW and Black Dog Institute, MoodyTunes delivers a unique, research-backed experience that empowers users to explore music’s impact on mood.
mama sing, mama vibes
‘Mama Sing, Mama Vibes’ is a perinatal health and well-being program created by co-founder Anita Connell and inspired by Singing Mamas (UK). Mums learn and sing simple melodies—no sheet music, no singing experience needed—focusing entirely on their own wellbeing. Running in women’s shelters and community spaces, ‘Mama Sing, Mama Vibes’ fosters social connection through shared song and conversation.
music for dementia
Co-founder Sandra Garrido developed this transformational training program, now in use in aged care facilities across Australia. Developed with aged care providers and people with lived experience, the program helps caregivers learn how to use music for behaviour support, meeting national requirements that arose from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety. Funded by the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, it provides evidence-based strategies to enhance well-being, reduce distress, and improve quality of life for residents.
challenging perceptions of schizophrenia
People living with diagnoses of schizophrenia can be deeply stigmatised. Esther Couch produced and directed “Exploring creativity and schizophrenia”, a short documentary aimed at shining a brighter light on the condition by highlighting the impact and importance of creativity. The documentary was screened on Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2020.
“Sandra’s work has been significant in the effective translation of knowledge into practice in dementia care. I have been working with Sandra since 2019 and it is a great example of how industry expertise and research-based evidence combines to create real world impacts, supporting quality of life for people living with dementia.”
Holly Markwell
National Programme Manager, The Dementia Centre
get in touch
If you would like advice on arts for health including conducting research, designing programs, developing training or evaluation frameworks, we are happy and available to advise. Click the link and we can organise a free 15-minute consultation.
sound health initiative 