Two Totnes musicians, who secured National Lottery funding to launch a vocal project aimed at tackling modern isolation through the power of collective song, are set to commence their first workshops.

Charlotte Mabon and business partner Bella Lilley created 'WellSong' to provide a series of mixed and women-only workshops that explore healing through music, voice, and movement.

While the project was originally conceived as a sanctuary for women to reclaim voices historically silenced by society, Mabon said the pair decided to widen access to help those struggling with the pressures of a digital age.

“People are becoming increasingly isolated, especially with so much screen usage nowadays,” Mabon said. “It’s become more and more important to come together creatively, express as a group, and socialise with others outside of our regular circles.”

The women’s programmes consists of six explorative sessions held over three months, where participants are encouraged to find their own voices rather than focusing on traditional performance.

Mabon explained that the purpose is not to sound beautiful, but to find the joy and connection required to reclaim voices that may have felt “lost”.

Her approach hones the methods of industry experts such as Frankie Armstrong, the ‘Godmother of the Natural Voice’, who personally taught Mabon.

To ensure the workshops remain accessible during the cost-of-living crisis, the founders have implemented a tiered ticketing system and bursary places supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The initiative has already seen significant local interest, with the first of two six-week workshops already sold out. However, spaces remain for the ‘Singing the River’ series, which begins on Tuesday, April 21.

Beyond the core workshops, WellSong will host weekend sessions open to everyone and special events featuring industry experts.

This includes a two-day event in July led by acclaimed jazz musician Randolph Matthews, who will share his own journey of vocal discovery to help participants improve their wellbeing through movement and song.