A TUNEFUL Inverclyde trio are raising their voices and using the power of music to boost mental health during the second lockdown.

The team behind VOX 2021 are running weekly online choir sessions for people who want to learn more about singing and develop their talents.

Elysia Wilson, Lynette Beaton and Gerard Gordon set up the virtual musical family to give people something to focus on in difficult times.

Nine months on, singers are growing in numbers and in confidence.

Teacher and vocal coach Elysia says she established the choir in response to how people were feeling back in April. as the pandemic first took hold

She said: "We noticed that people were really down.

"Music is so prevalent in Inverclyde.

"It's the heartbeat of the area and we know that there are so many talented people here.

"We wanted to start something that would help people with their mental health - something positive for people to get involved in.

"We only expected about 10 people to sign up, now we have between 30 and 40 people taking part.

"There's a real appetite for it."

Elysia and the team run six and eight week projects where choir members learn vocal arrangements for songs.

Singers also receive one-to-one breakout sessions over Zoom where they receive specific vocal training.

Tips for breathing and mindfulness are part of the sessions, and all of the songs explored are uplifting and from the field of musical theatre and pop.

Songs last year included Somewhere Over the Rainbow and You Will Be Found from the musical, Dear Evan Hansen.

Elysia, who also runs tailored sessions for youngsters under 16, said that members are from all over Inverclyde and beyond - including as far afield as Edinburgh and even Norway.

The singers are a caring bunch and raised £300 for Inverclyde Foodbank in the run-up to Christmas.

Elysia plans to keep a virtual element of the choir running when lockdown restrictions ease and the choir finally get the chance to meet up in person.

She told the Tele: "We've developed a real sense community and family.

"We've been a lifeline for people and we're keeping music alive."

To find out more about VOX 2021, search for Elysia Wilson on Facebook.