COUNCILLORS have given their support to a project which looks to use music to help improve health and wellbeing.

Wellington Town Council was successful in applying for £10,000 from the Somerset Association of Local Councils’ Community Health and Wellbeing Programme to help fund the Together in Tone initiative.

The project is being run in the Wellington and Wiveliscombe area and aims to improve health and wellbeing through people taking part in music, reduce social isolation and strengthen community connections, celebrate and promote local musical activities, and develop stronger links between existing musical groups.

A freelance community music facilitator has been taken on to get the project up and running and work with local groups across the area.

The community music facilitator has already spoken with various musical groups across the Wellington and Wiveliscombe area and established key contacts.

The town council’s community development officer, Laura Batcha, told members of the council’s community committee that things were going well.

She said: “Initial conversations have been positive with groups welcoming the overall aim of improving access to music and strengthening community well-being,”

“A number of key observations have emerged which suggests that while the area has a strong music culture, there may be greater opportunity to focus on engaging residents who are not currently involved in music activities, particularly those experiencing isolation or facing barriers to taking part.”

Potential ideas for the future could be community sing-along activities, one-off music sessions, improved awareness of existing musical groups and linking in with existing events.

Community committee chairman, Cllr Catherine Wiggins-Govier, said: “We need to target people who aren’t always engaged.”

Cllr Andy Govier said: “Concerts held in Wellington Park are always very well attended.”

He also suggested having events involving music from different periods and quipped: “We could have the music of Vera Lynn – my era.”

Cllr Mike McGuffie said: “I think smaller events would be better than one or two bigger events. We need to find out what the needs are among the public.”

Cllr Justin Cole added: “I think we just need to get on with this. It seems as if it is a well-run and well-managed group.”

Groups which have been contacted to get involved include Wellington Silver Band, Wellington Choral Society, Wellington Operatic Society, Blackdown Community Choir, Wiveliscombe Town Band, Wivey Wind Band, Wivey Community Choir, Fitzhead Singers, Wivey Ukulele Orchestra, Skintight Samba, Milverton Concert Society, and the High Park Community Music Project.

The Mayor of Wellington, Cllr Janet Lloyd, said: “When I saw this item on the agenda I thought I’m sure we could spend £10,000 better on health and wellbeing things in our area.”

A report said that the project aligned with the council’s community development priorities to support an inclusive, connected and healthy community.

Councillors voted in favour of noting the progress made during the engagement phase of the Together in Tone scheme.

The project will continue to be overseen through the council’s community committee, which provides the formal decision-making for the initiative.