BRADFORD’S School of Rock and Media (SORM) has turned to the internet to ensure its users continue to benefit from their work despite the Covid-19 outbreak.

The music enterprise, which delivers workshops to people with learning disabilities for Bradford Council, normally works out of music studios in Little Germany.

It moved quickly to switch its operation online after the government closed most schools, businesses and public buildings to try and halt the spread of the virus.

So, instead of having clients come into the studio to learn to play instruments, how to be a DJ or music producer and various other skills, tutors are delivering lessons via Skype, Facebook, Zoom, WhatsApp and offering support to their often vulnerable users and their families during these unusual times.

Staff have set up a new online learning hub which allows users to keep up to date with their learning. There is also a new online chat room which means users can stay in touch with each other, and the staff, to ease anxieties, boredom and isolation that may be felt during of the Covid-19 lockdown.

They are also making two podcasts a week, putting together fitness videos, are making regular phone calls and video calls to check in on users and have organised a collective karaoke and games to lift spirits.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for healthy people and places, commended SORM for their efforts.

She said: “Knowing how much users gain from their sessions with SORM it is wonderful to see how, despite the challenges posed by coronavirus, the excellent provision is continuing.

“This is one of many examples of providers going above and beyond to support our community through this unprecedented situation.”