CHIME Australia: Social Singing for Perinatal Mental Health

The proposed working group project will develop an interdisciplinary partnership to explore the way music may be employed to support perinatal mental health for migrant and refugee women in Australia. Mental health problems during and after pregnancy remain a serious womens health issue with consequences not only for the affected mother, but also for her child, family and community. Building on evidence that music engagement reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression during the perinatal period, the project will establish partnerships with community organisations to develop culturally appropriate strategies to support the perinatal mental health of migrant and refugee women in Australia.