MUSIC is the food of love according to Shakespeare, but researchers have found it is also good for your mental health and wellbeing.

Regular group singing can combat loneliness, anxiety and depression, according to a study at the University of Brighton.

OAP clubs and homes organise regular sing-songs and music sessions and researchers say the elderly are not the only group to benefit.

They are urging councils and organisations throughout the UK to consider introducing programmes for pregnant women, young offenders, prisoners, young adults and workers.

Professor of leisure studies Alan Tomlinson and professor of design culture Guy Julier are part of a national network of researchers taking part in a study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Professor Tomlinson said: “The review collates and classifies data from a range of studies from research published in numerous countries between 1996 and 2016.

“They confirm what providers and practitioners if not policy-makers, have widely recognized - participation in music or singing, or listening to music, can have positive effects on self-esteem and subjective wellbeing.”

Professor Tomlinson said more research is needed to explore how far such benefits might help other categories of people who engage in forms of music and singing in their everyday lives.”

Review highlights included promising evidence that listening to relaxing music can alleviate anxiety and anger in prison populations and young offenders.

Initial evidence also suggests pregnant women who take part in structured music therapy show signs of lower stress, anxiety and depression.

The evidence was also promising for music-making schemes for refugee and other marginalised groups.

Participants reported that singing in groups helped them to learn, build relationships and engage in a meaningful exchange with the wider community.

It is also hoped this could enhance or revise a person’s sense of identity.

Relatively high levels of happiness and ‘worthwhileness’ were found in religious or spiritual contexts such as Gospel and South Asian music concerts, as well as among adults who play an instrument.

Director of the What Works Centre for Wellbeing Nancy Hey said she hoped the review will help decision-makers in councils, the care sector and other organisations working in the community.

She said: “This evidence review of music and singing shows, for the first time, a national evidence base that local authorities, health professionals, businesses and charities can use to see who can benefit from local and national wellbeing programmes.”