My vision is to bring the healing power of rhythm to Reading.
There is lots of research to show that group drumming can lift our mood and bring a sense of community and wellbeing but where are all the community drum circles? I'd like provide one regularly in the place where I grew up and still live, for people to gather and make music together and to leave feeling better than when they came in.
But in addition to that, I'd like to be able to provide smaller, more intimate, drum therapy workshops for groups of people that are struggling with their mental health. Using a programme of rhythm games, presentations, group discussions and group drumming I'd like to address issues such as:
- Nurturing self esteem
- Empathy and communication
- Forgiveness
- Self care
- Dealing with depression
- Addiction
- Assertiveness
Importantly I'd like to be able to offer this to people free of charge, so that lack of money would not limit access.
Why me?
I graduated from my first degree, a BSc.(Hons) in Psychology, at the University of Reading in 1994. After that I spent over twenty years in IT but loved to take part in African drumming groups in my spare time. I have stopped working now and have started an MSc. in the Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing as a very mature student. Now it's time to bring my studies and my drumming experience together to try and help the people in my local community.
Why do I need funding?
Starting up will take a few months of preparation and buying equipment such as drums, percussion, a projector, screen and so on. If people have their own drums that's great, but if they don't, then that shouldn't be a barrier.
Maintenance costs will include renting a hall and a smaller therapy room. I would also like to take a small, minimum wage, salary as I have no other income and will be putting a lot of time into this project.
Why not just charge people?
Because mental health issues can affect everyone, not just those that can afford therapy. My goal is to make this project accessible to anyone that needs or wants it. If they'd like to make a contribution that would be great, but there won't be any requirement to do so.
Do people need any previous experience?
No, none at all. Everyone that has a heartbeat has drumming inside them.
When will the project launch?
I am hoping to start offering sessions in Autumn 2022.
Why is it called Berkshire Wellness Circle if it's based in Reading?
Because if the Reading circle takes off, I intend to expand to nearby areas in the county.