Music group working to tackle social isolation

Mel Garrett (left) and David Walton from Honicknowle Live Music Group

A musician has created a group to encourage others to play and enjoy music.

David Walton, founder of Honicknowle Live Music Group in Plymouth, said he wanted to use music to bring people together to combat social isolation and loneliness.

The group is open to local adult musicians at any level of ability who want to share their music by performing, collaborating or just enjoying the company.

The group is particularly keen to reach older members of the community and unemployed musicians but has so far struggled with low membership.

The group meets weekly on a Monday from 14:00 to 16:00 at the church hall at St Francis of Assisi, Honicknowle, and membership is free.

Mr Walton said he hoped people would come along with lots of different instruments, representing the full spectrum of cultures and genres. Singers are also welcome.

"My hope is that people show up with an instrument that they've had for 30 or 40 years and they're thinking they've reached a stage when life is a little bit on the quiet side, and they'd like to get back into playing their instruments," he said.

'Togetherness overcomes loneliness'

But he said he did not want to dictate the kind of music played or how the sessions would take shape.

"I want people who come along to kind of take ownership of how they use that time and space for their own benefit," he said.

Mr Walton inherited his love of music from his father and began playing guitar in school before performing at folk clubs around Plymouth in the 1990s.

"I want to particularly attract people who used to play an instrument or sing, but no longer do," he said.

"It isn’t about the quality, it’s about being together. Togetherness overcomes loneliness."

'Reversing the trend'

Sonali Banerjee, general manager for Music for All, said the group applied for a grant from its financial hardship fund.

"We feel it's really really important to be supporting older adults as well, vulnerable adults, because actually they can struggle with social isolation just as much as as young people."

Mr Walton encouraged people to "pop along and see us, we'd love to offer you a cup of tea at the very least."

He added: "If I can encourage somebody to pick up an instrument they had almost forgotten about, I’ll do everything I can to remind them how much they once loved it."