We’re incredibly proud to talk to you today about our fantastic vocal sessions at the Round About Cafe in Southampton. Originally conceived as a 12 week project to support men living alone, the group has broadened it’s reach and continued well past the 12 weeks – it’s gone from strength to strength. We spoke to Music Leader Olly – he’s a music teacher by day, who has been working with us on projects for around seven years – who runs the sessions.
SoCo: Hi Olly! Great to talk to you – can you tell us a bit about the sessions as they are today?
Olly: Sure, yes: Sessions currently run every Monday evening from 5.00pm -6.30pm at the Round About Cafe in Mansbridge. We’re going to be moving the time a little later so more people can come.
SoCo: How did the sessions start?
Olly: The group was originally set up as a community vocal group for men that live alone, perhaps who are out of work, but live independently in Abri properties. We work with Cara at Abri who tells Abri residents about the sessions and supports people to come along if they have anxiety or confidence issues.
SoCo: And are the sessions still men only?
Olly: No, it very quickly became much more of a community group – we’ve got women joining us now now, a mum comes along with her daughter, and then her daughter brought a friend!
SoCo: What happens at the sessions?
Olly: They are very laid back, there is a lovely vibe about it. Typically, it’s just me, my guitar, laptop and a projection screen, and then round six singers as well as Cara from Abri and our volunteer Anna. We start by exploring each others music highlights – songs we love, or that we haven’t heard in a long time. If it’s a song we all know, we’ll dive straight in and have a go, If it’s not so familiar, we get the lyrics up, study it, and then I’ll accompany it as we have a crack at it. It’s very relaxed and very personalised – everyone has a say. Some people want to really polish some songs and perform them, others just want a singsong every Monday. We haven’t done any performances yet but if enough people wanted to, there would be scope for that.
SoCo: Are the sessions open to all – can people come along? If so, how do they do that?
Olly: Yes, absolutely – the sessions are open to everyone, however as they are about building community in Mansbridge, ideally people will live close by so they can make the most of the friendships they make. People can email Cara Headon, Community Development Officer at Abri, or phone on 07769 241 365 for more info and to book a place.
Watch this great video to hear from participants and to find out more about plans for the future of the group
Abri is one of the south of England’s largest housing providers. Their core mission is to create thriving communities and empower lives, and they’re investing £15m in their communities between 2020-2025. Find out more on their website.
