Music will be used to help the mind in a scheme to encourage adults to take up a musical instrument.

Newham Music is kicking off 2016 by offering music lessons to adults at Chobham Academy in Stratford.

The group was awarded Music Education Hub Leader status for Newham by Arts Council England and the Department for Education in 2012.

Newham Music manager for teaching and learning Julie Sharpe thinks learning an instrument has many benefits.

“Learning to play an instrument or sing is fantastic for your brain, wellbeing and confidence as learning music uses more parts of the brain at the same time than any other activity,” she said. “But most importantly learning music is creative, stress-relieving and fun.”

Individual lessons and group lessons are available, with piano, guitar and violin among the instruments being taught.

Lessons will be held from 6pm-9pm on Wednesdays at the school with prices starting at £12 a session.

More information on the lessons offered is available at bit.ly/1TGRoJ1