A Macclesfield DJ school has been helping to tackle isolation through music.

Run by Unknown Macc CIC, the project has shown the difference music can make to people's lives, having provided 10 fully-funded places since it launched in April.

Through face-to-face workshops, participants are building confidence, making new friendships and finding an outlet from isolation in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Founder Lucie Wright, owner of Proper Sound on Chestergate, said: "It's so lovely to see the joy that learning to DJ is bringing people, and it makes all the hard work worthwhile. We've seen people grow in confidence, make new friends and discover something they genuinely love.

"My own daughter struggled to attend school for three years, and that experience is a big part of why I wanted to create something that gives young people and adults an outlet from isolation and somewhere they feel welcome. Music has an incredible way of bringing people together, and that's exactly what we're seeing happen.

"Every paid place and every successful grant application helps us fund more free opportunities for local people. We hope to keep building the project, support even more people and create further community initiatives across Macclesfield."

Unlike learning through YouTube videos or online tutorials, the sessions give people the chance to learn alongside others, ask questions, practise together and become part of a real community.

Participants are also given the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience at Proper Sound when they feel ready, helping to build confidence beyond the classroom.

Since launching in April, the project has supported people aged 12 to 56. Alongside the 10 fully funded places, many others have attended through paid sessions. Income from paid places, together with successful grant applications, helps Unknown Macc CIC continue offering funded opportunities to those who may otherwise be unable to take part while developing new community projects across Macclesfield.

Among those to have benefited from the scheme is 55-year-old Paul, who said: "I was surprised by how much the vinyl sessions seemed to benefit others taking part. It was fantastic to witness, especially for Rob, and I can see the worth in what Unknown Macc is trying to achieve."

Another participant said: "I struggle with severe anxiety and depression and I'm heavily socially isolated.

"The session made me feel like I had a reason to get up out of bed.

"It gave me a safe space to learn and build my confidence. The staff and DJs were so supportive and understanding.

"This session made me feel like I have an opportunity to improve the situation I'm in."



The initiative recently welcomed Melanie Williams, vocalist on Sub Sub's iconic hit 'Ain't No Love (Ain't No Use)' and a performer with Hacienda Classical, Carl Cox and Eric Powell's Mobile Disco, and Mr Wilson's Second Liners, who visited to see the project first hand.

She said: "As someone who's had to find resources to help with anxiety, depression and imposter syndrome, all fear and terror comes from the past or the future.

"Everything is solved in the now. Music brings us into the moment where the potential for joy and peace are."

The project has also welcomed experienced DJ Daz Glazer to the teaching team, bringing more than 35 years of DJ experience to support participants through workshops and one-to-one tuition.

One-to-one lessons are available every Monday, while the Summer DJ Club runs every Wednesday from 12pm to 2pm throughout the school holidays, with places available for £22.

The sessions are designed to give young people a creative and social activity during the holidays, with plans to develop the programme into a regular after-school club.

New autumn taster dates have also been released, leading into the next beginner's DJ course in time for Christmas.

More information about the Summer DJ Club, Monday one-to-one lessons, autumn taster sessions and funded opportunities can be found at www.unknownmacc.co.uk.