A popular ukulele project in Southport Library at The Atkinson where people can borrow instruments and have free lessons has proved so popular it’s expanding to Formby.
The project, funded by The Atkinson Development Trust (TADT) to tackle loneliness and isolation, allows people to borrow instruments on their library card and enjoy free lessons.
Run in partnership with the North West Ukulele Project, with Ukulele Buddies donating the instruments, Southport library was the first in the north-west to set up a ukulele loan scheme.
It’s proved so successful since it’s Autumn launch that it will now travel to Formby Library to give people a chance to access music, learn to play and meet other people.
Alice Clarke, Chair of TADT a charity which funds projects to bring people across Sefton closer to The Atkinson, said: “It’s been fantastic to see how well the project and lessons has been received.
“We know the power of music to tackle loneliness and isolation as we’d seen with the success of The Atkinson’s Wellbeing Choir which we funded to get off the ground.
“At the start of the first ukulele course 50 per cent of students felt they didn’t have anyone to call if they wanted company and 25 per cent had no one to call on if they needed help.
“By the end of the course 100 per cent said it had helped them meet people, 83 per cent had the confidence to continue to play and 60 per cent said they had greater confidence.”
The course, led by local teacher Karine Woodward has run several times with almost all attendees progressing on to local group sessions with Ukulele Buddies.
Karine said: “It is my absolute pleasure to teach ukulele to groups in Sefton, to spread much needed happiness, to help students grow in confidence, create new friendships, meet regularly to play and sing.
“The ukulele is such an easy, joyful instrument; with a knowledge of two or three simple chords there are so many songs to enjoy together. The joy it brings helps build a happy community, and I’m so delighted that many students have joined regular groups across the borough.”
A launch event for the new ukulele lending library was held at Formby Library with live performances by Ukulele Buddies and a group of Karine’s students ‘The Pine Tones’ ahead of the first lessons due to start in September.
Sarah Jones, Senior Library Assistant, said: ‘We’re really excited to bring the project to Formby. Customers have already expressed an interest by signing up to the waiting list for lessons and many of our 10 ukuleles have been loaned out with the accompanying lesson books.’
“Isolation and loneliness affect all parts of our borough regardless of postcode so it’s great we’re able to offer this new service to residents in Formby.”
Anyone interested in finding out more can pop into Formby Library, phone 01704 874177, email formby.library@sefton.gov.uk or visit www.ukulelebuddies.co.uk
The Atkinson Development Trust relies solely on donations, many of which come through membership of the Atkinson and its many member benefits including previews and free tickets. To find out more please visit www.theatkinson.co.uk/support-us
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