HeartBeats is a multi-week group drumming programme for family carers, former family carers and recently bereaved carers culminating in the composition of a new drumming piece and a performance for family and friends.

The focus will be on the overall wellbeing and social engagement of the carers through creativity. There is a myriad of physical, mental and emotional benefits for family carers who participate in the arts. Carers will learn a new skill in a fun a sociable way. Leisure activities can buffer against stress and offer a temporary escape from caring thereby enhancing coping. Group drumming can create social connectedness and positive emotions increasing self-worth and a reduction in social isolation. Carers are particularly at risk of loneliness which can be a health risk. It can mitigate the negative impact of social isolation providing a respite break for family carers as well as a social outlet.

The classes will consist of teaching the participants the basics of group drumming and them learning an existing piece. There will also be an element of group composition where the group will create a new piece of drum music to perform at the end-of-programme performance followed by a celebratory reception at the end of the project.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.