Choral events were organised all over the country by choirs, schools and other groups to mark World Mental Health Week and to highlight the fact that choral singing is good for your mental health. In addition, numbers of choirs sang What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) at the end of their weekly rehearsal to join in the week's activities.

Recent studies have shown that singing improves lung capacity, stimulates high energy, relieves asthma, improves posture, improves relaxation and mood and increases self-confidence. 89 percent of the singers surveyed reported intense happiness while singing, 79 percent felt less stressed, with 75 percent experiencing heightened adrenaline and wakefulness. Being involved in a choral group has been proven to reduce isolation and loneliness and generate feelings of well-being.

A list of events held throughout the week is available here.

If your event is not listed, please email info@cnc.ie If you took a photo of your event, or of your choirs singing What a Wonderful World please send it on and we will try to put together a photo album online.

The National Choral Singing Week is an initiative of AOIC, Mental Health Ireland and Wexford County Council.

For further details, contact AOIC at info@cnc.ie or Mental Health Ireland at +353 (0)1 284 1166 or w: http://mentalhealthireland.ie