'The Buddy Beat' is a community-based mental health drumming group, and was set up three years ago in partnership with NHS mental health occupational therapy services in Renfrewshire. Aimed at promoting social inclusion, the project has three levels of involvement: ward-based workshops; a weekly drumming group at a local arts centre, and wider community workshops. Longer-term group members also assist community musician Jane Bentley in drumming for conferences, mental health events, and drumming with people with a variety of special needs.
The group had been keen to put together a video to tell their story, as a way of encouraging others in their mental health journeys. Having been initially turned down for funding, they decided to raise their own money through holding a 'sponsored drum'. They then employed a film maker who is also a mental health service user, and the resulting video is entirely produced by the group themselves. Their hope is that it will be useful to others, whether that's musicians, health care providers, or people with mental health difficulties themselves.
They'd be delighted to receive any comments!
1 comment:
I got involved with Buddy Beat when I was an occupational therapy student at Dykebar 4 years ago and loved being involved with the Thursday morning workshops in the arts centre. When I saw this video I was really pleased to see how well the group was doing and how much it's grown. I think it's fantastic that you are performing, especially to such large groups of people and spreading the word.
I remember Anne from my time as a student and I think it's so great that you are going on the facilitators course. I wish the group all the best for future performances and hope to see you sometime.
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