The sound of ukuleles being strummed could be heard at Wanaka Community Hub last Monday (March 1) as nine locals took the opportunity to pick up a former skill or learn something new.

The ukulele class was the first in an initial 10-block course, instructed by Gilly Pugh, and is part of the Creative Sessions for Wellbeing coordinated by Vicki Wise.

Vicki, who also coordinates the local Mental Health Peer Support group, said a couple of the players had learned the ukulele before but for most it was a new experience.

“Everyone was really pleased at the end of the session, with a couple of people planning to go and buy their own ukuleles,” she said.

Both the ukuleles and the 10-week course are provided free of charge at the hub with funding from Central Lakes Trust and the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council.

The classes are part of the Mental Health Foundation’s (MHF) series of Creative Sessions for Wellbeing being hosted at the hub which include art classes on Fridays. 

Vicki said she has also been considering creating additional classes in drama and dance.

“Learning a new skill is one of the MHF’s five ways to wellbeing,” Vicki said. 

“The plan is that there is an activity every day for people to come to, that will help their wellbeing. My plan is that the sessions will always be free, so as not to be a financial burden to someone,” she said. 

“The Friday art class is as much about being social as it is about art itself,” she said, but, if funding permits, Vicki aims to arrange an art exhibition during Mental Health Week in September with the theme focused on “our local history and our own personal history and how they weave together”.

Vicki said it was possible the ukulele players might work towards a public performance but that would be up to the group to decide.

“If I can get funding for the [art] exhibition then I’d like them to play for [its] opening night,” she said.

PHOTO: Supplied