LEANNE Johnson loves to sing anywhere and anytime.
The retired teacher knows the importance of self-expression, which is why, for the last 16 years, she has been running community choirs in Port Macquarie.
Her current passion is focused on improving men’s mental health through singing, and she wants to make the activity accessible to everyone.
Leanne found that while it was common in European countries for large groups of men to sing at social events like football games, it is not commonly seen in Australia, something she hopes to change.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics men account for 75.3 percent of suicides in Australia with significant impact in the 20-50 years demographic.
Leanne told News Of The Area, “men have often had a negative experience with singing in their younger years, and this makes them reluctant to participate in it when they get older.
“I want to reframe that experience for them.
“I love my Blokes Notes Choir and often get comments from the men that they feel better after singing.
“I’m on a mission to solve the problems of the world through songs, in particular group singing.”
Leanne is running free singing sessions for men of all ages on November 6, 13 and 20, from 5.30pm-6.30pm at the Mac Adams Centre, 33 Lord Street, Port Macquarie.
For more information contact Leanne on 0429 848 741.
By Rachael THORPE
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