A new community music initiative is set to bring people together, support wellbeing and celebrate local talent across Wellington and the surrounding area.
Together in Tone is a community-led project that uses the power of music to reduce isolation, strengthen connections and improve wellbeing for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The project is funded through the Community Health and Wellbeing programme by the Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC) and is delivered in partnership by Wellington and Wiveliscombe Local Community Network (Somerset Council), Wellington Town Council and Actiontrack.
Connecting people through music
At its heart, Together in Tone is about building on the rich and varied music activity already happening locally. The project will connect choirs, bands, musicians and community groups, while creating new opportunities for people to get involved in ways that feel welcoming, inclusive and low-pressure.
By listening to local communities and working collaboratively, the project will explore how music can reach those who may not currently be taking part, ensuring opportunities are accessible and shaped by the people they are for.
The project aims to:
- Support wellbeing through creativity and social connection
- Strengthen links between choirs, bands, musicians and community groups
- Raise awareness of local music activity and events
- Create opportunities for outreach and informal participation
- Ensure music opportunities are inclusive, accessible and community-led
Councillor Graham Oakes, Lead Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment at Somerset Council, said:
Music has a unique ability to bring people together and support our mental and emotional wellbeing. Together in Tone is a great example of how communities can build connections, reduce isolation and create a real sense of belonging.
It’s about making wellbeing accessible through something positive, creative and rooted in the community, and we’re proud to support that.
Laura Batcha, Community Development Officer at Wellington Town Council, said:
Together in Tone is a strong example of how partnership working at a local level can support both community wellbeing and cultural activity.
By working collaboratively across the Local Community Network, we are not only celebrating the strength of our local music scene but also creating more inclusive opportunities for residents to engage, connect and support their wellbeing.
This kind of preventative, community-led approach is exactly what we need to see more of, aligning closely with wider health priorities around early intervention and reducing isolation.
Supporting local musicians and communities
Together in Tone is open to community choirs, bands, music groups, freelance musicians, organisations using music to support wellbeing, community venues and anyone interested in using music to connect people.
The project is coordinated by Caz Besterman, an experienced community music practitioner and educator with a passion for using music to bring people together.
Since moving to Somerset, Caz has become an active part of the local music scene and is keen to work alongside existing groups to support collaboration and develop opportunities that feel realistic, inclusive and community led.
Get involved
Local groups, musicians, venues and organisations are encouraged to get involved and help shape the project.
For more information or to explore opportunities to take part, email Caz Besterman, Together in Tone Project Manager, at caz@wellingtontowncouncil.co.uk.
You can also meet Caz at the next Wellington and Wiveliscombe Local Community Network meeting from 6.30pm on 27 April 2026 at:
Beambridge Inn
Sampford Arundel
Wellington
Somerset
TA21 0HB
