The Buddy Beat
Is still going strong in our third year! Set up in collaboration with Renfrewshire NHS Occupational Therapy services, Buddy Beat is a weekly community drumming group for mental health service users. There is no pressure to perform, however, the group are in increasing demand for gigs and conferences, most recently at the Scottish Government sponsored conference for Allied Health Partnerships, 'Collaborating for Change', where they got a 200-strong audience all playing rhythm together with boomwhacker percussion tubes! One group member noted that this was the first time she had ever received applause for something and; 'It felt great - I'd like to do that again!'.
Having been awarded a grant from the NHS 'bright ideas' fund, we have successfully piloted a training course with group members and occupational therapists, which will enable them to either lead, or assist in leading simple percussion workshops.
We now also host an ongoing community drum circle on the first Monday of the month in Paisley, which is open to all.
Rowanbank Clinic, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow
This eight week project took place with patients in a medium-secure unit, working on drumming and group interaction skills.
Music Together - Gartnavel Royal Hospital
In collaboration with Polyphony music project, this series of sessions aims to develop ways of working with people with dementia and their carers and visitors, across two wards in the hospital.
The State Hospital, Carstairs
Working with occupational therapy services to engage patients. Because of the accessible, cooperative and social nature of rhythm work, it can enable non-threatening communicative behaviour to take place where verbal communication may be difficult or problematic.
Flexi-Care, Renfrewshire
A series of workshops with young people on the autistic spectrum, and adult groups with additional support needs. Supported by the Buddy Beat.
Maxwellton School, East Kilbride
Pupil and staff training workshops in the wonders of boomwhackers...
High Mil and Victoria Park Schools, Carluke
Integration project bringing pupils together from additional support needs and mainstream schools
Edinburgh Harp Festival
'Come and Try' world percussion course, and community drum circle.
My PhD
Is now fully written up, and awaiting examination...
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