iloveuke becomes a community interest companyOrganisation Name: ILOVEUKE CIC Type: Community Interest Company (CIC) - Limited by Guarantee Established: August 2025 Directors: Gemma Cullingford & Clara Wiseman Company Number: 16650754 |
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Since 2010, ILOVEUKE has been spreading the joy of ukulele playing across Norfolk - from early years children to older participants, SEN groups, school clubs, festivals, and community events. Over the years, we’ve seen how powerful music can be in bringing people together, building confidence, and reducing isolation.
In 2025, we decided to take the next step and become a Community Interest Company (CIC). This exciting change means we can apply for funding to support projects with people who face barriers to music-making - including children with special educational needs, elderly and isolated people, and communities experiencing disadvantage or mental health challenges.
Becoming a CIC formalises our commitment to using music for social good. With this new structure, we’ll be able to create more inclusive projects, co-write songs with participants, produce resources like books and videos, and stage community performances that raise awareness and celebrate our players’ talents.
We’re thrilled to start this new chapter - and we can’t wait to share the music with you!
In 2025, we decided to take the next step and become a Community Interest Company (CIC). This exciting change means we can apply for funding to support projects with people who face barriers to music-making - including children with special educational needs, elderly and isolated people, and communities experiencing disadvantage or mental health challenges.
Becoming a CIC formalises our commitment to using music for social good. With this new structure, we’ll be able to create more inclusive projects, co-write songs with participants, produce resources like books and videos, and stage community performances that raise awareness and celebrate our players’ talents.
We’re thrilled to start this new chapter - and we can’t wait to share the music with you!
who we are
ILOVEUKE CIC is a community-focused music organisation that uses the ukulele as a tool for creativity, connection and wellbeing. We specialise in inclusive music-making for people of all ages - from early years to older people - with a focus on those who are isolated, living in disadvantaged areas, experiencing mental health issues, or facing barriers such as disability or neurodivergence.
ILOVEUKE CIC is led by Gemma Cullingford and Clara Wiseman, who have been working together as ILOVEUKE in Norfolk since 2010. Since then, they have delivered ukulele-led sessions in schools, care homes, community centres and festivals, engaging thousands of participants across all age groups. Their combined expertise and experience blends musical excellence with inclusive practice, ensuring that every person - regardless of background or ability - can access the joy and benefits of music-making.
ILOVEUKE CIC is led by Gemma Cullingford and Clara Wiseman, who have been working together as ILOVEUKE in Norfolk since 2010. Since then, they have delivered ukulele-led sessions in schools, care homes, community centres and festivals, engaging thousands of participants across all age groups. Their combined expertise and experience blends musical excellence with inclusive practice, ensuring that every person - regardless of background or ability - can access the joy and benefits of music-making.
our mission
We believe music should be for everyone. Our mission is to make music-making:
Gemma and Clara have immersed themselves in music since a young age. Both have toured extensively in bands as bass guitarists, recorded albums, and enjoyed a measure of success on the national music scene.
With a deep passion for both music and community, they bring their past skills, creativity, and experiences into ILOVEUKE CIC’s work. Their aim is to share the joy, connection, and wellbeing that music has given them, so that participants of all ages and backgrounds can experience those same benefits - from increased confidence and self-expression to stronger social connections and a sense of belonging.
Through inclusive, ukulele-led projects, Gemma and Clara want to create opportunities for people to explore their creativity, discover the power of music, and feel part of a vibrant, supportive community.
- Inclusive – accessible for all ages and abilities.
- Empowering – helping participants find their voice and confidence.
- Community-driven – creating pride, friendships, and connection through group music.
Gemma and Clara have immersed themselves in music since a young age. Both have toured extensively in bands as bass guitarists, recorded albums, and enjoyed a measure of success on the national music scene.
With a deep passion for both music and community, they bring their past skills, creativity, and experiences into ILOVEUKE CIC’s work. Their aim is to share the joy, connection, and wellbeing that music has given them, so that participants of all ages and backgrounds can experience those same benefits - from increased confidence and self-expression to stronger social connections and a sense of belonging.
Through inclusive, ukulele-led projects, Gemma and Clara want to create opportunities for people to explore their creativity, discover the power of music, and feel part of a vibrant, supportive community.
what we do
- Workshops & Projects - Interactive ukulele and music-making sessions for children, young people, adults and older participants.
- Inclusive Practice - Sensory-friendly environments, adapted resources (colour-coded chord charts, visual supports), and flexible participation options.
- Creative Output - Co-writing original songs with participants, producing videos, and staging performances to celebrate and share their voices.
- Advocacy Through Music - Projects that raise awareness of disability, mental health, and social isolation by sharing participants’ stories through song.
- Intergenerational Music - Bringing together younger and older generations to connect through music.
- Community Building - Creating a sense of community and belonging through weekly gatherings, working towards shared goals and celebrating achievements.
who we work with
- Children and young people (0–11, SEN and mainstream). Check out our Mini Strummers and UKE-nique pages.
- Adults experiencing mental health challenges.
- Older and isolated people.
- Communities in disadvantaged areas.
our impact
ILOVEUKE CIC’s work builds confidence, communication skills, and self-expression in participants, while reducing loneliness and isolation among older and vulnerable adults. Our group music-making fosters social connections and a sense of community pride, and our accessible creative activities help to improve mental health and wellbeing. We also offer 1-to-1 ukulele lessons that can be tailored to each student’s needs, providing alternative approaches for those who require non-mainstream teaching methods. By sharing participants’ stories through songwriting, performance, and video, we increase public understanding of neurodiversity, disability and the transformative benefits of community arts.
Our work has included:
Through these activities, ILOVEUKE has engaged thousands of participants, built lasting community connections and demonstrated the power of the ukulele to bring people together across generations and abilities.
Our work has included:
- Creating and using books as learning resources for ukulele players of all ages.
- Leading intergenerational ukulele groups, including the Norwich Ukulele Society.
- Co-writing songs with primary school children and supporting them to perform.
- Recording songs and videos with older participants to share their stories.
- Forming ukulele groups that perform at community events to raise money for charity.
- Organising a Children’s Ukulele Day Festival to celebrate young players.
- Delivering festival workshops that welcome players of all ages and abilities.
- Running regular school clubs, SEN clubs, and early years lessons.
- Producing videos featuring students and their co-written songs.
Through these activities, ILOVEUKE has engaged thousands of participants, built lasting community connections and demonstrated the power of the ukulele to bring people together across generations and abilities.
safeguarding & Values
The wellbeing and safety of our participants is central to everything we do.
All staff hold enhanced DBS checks, complete safeguarding training, and work closely with parents, carers, and schools.
Read our policies here:
Safeguarding Policy 2025
Equal Opportunities Policy 2025
Privacy Policy 2025
All staff hold enhanced DBS checks, complete safeguarding training, and work closely with parents, carers, and schools.
Read our policies here:
Safeguarding Policy 2025
Equal Opportunities Policy 2025
Privacy Policy 2025
how we're funded
As a not-for-profit CIC, all income goes back into creating inclusive music opportunities.
We are supported through school partnerships, community events and grants.
We are supported through school partnerships, community events and grants.
get involved
- Schools – book a ukulele project or workshop.
- Communities – join one of our ukulele groups or events.
- Supporters – partner with us or donate to help bring music to those who need it most.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 07762 303662