Healthy Wicklow Intergenerational Community Drumming Project enhances physical and mental health
Healthy Wicklow Intergenerational Community Drumming Project enhances physical and mental health
How this Healthy Wicklow project came about?
Under Healthy Ireland Round 4 Fund 2023 – 2025 one of the key performance indicators chosen for County Wicklow was an increase in an individual’s level of positive mental health as per the energy and vitality index. The intergenerational drumming project’s main aim was to focus on disadvantaged communities and the Pobal deprivation index was used to identify areas of disadvantaged to very disadvantaged.
- Carnew: Deprivation score of -27.36 registering as very disadvantaged, and has consistently registered negative scores since 2006, thus indicating persistent structural weakness.
- Tinahely: Deprivation score of -12.28, registering as disadvantaged.
- Shillelagh: Deprivation score of -5.49, registering as marginally below average.
The objective of the project was to use non-clinical activities as a means of positively influencing physical and mental health and wellbeing for people living in the Carnew/Tinahely/Shillelagh areas and its environs and to ensure a wide range of the population was catered for i.e. older adults, new communities, young people and people with disabilities.
The Intergenerational Drumming Circle Programme is an innovative community initiative that brings together individuals from different age groups to engage in collective drumming activities. This programme was initially implemented between Carnew Community Care Centre and the secondary school Colaiste Bhride. The expected outcomes were to address a range of social, emotional and cognitive challenges that affect both older and younger generations.
Participants found that Community Drumming breaks down barriers, cuts through age and cultural differences, it is particularly beneficial physically for the elderly as each participant drums with ease and participates at whatever level they are able with no pressure to perform. Whatever the age, moving to the beat of the drum improves coordination, balance and spatial awareness.
Healthy Wicklow allocated €2,500 towards the Drumming project which ran two hours once a week over a 10-week period from January to March and after each session all participants left with a smile on their face. I think that after reading the impact it has had everyone will agree that there has been a huge return on investment from this initiative.
Solution to positively increase levels of mental health for individuals
Carnew/Tinahely/Shillelagh are disadvantaged and rural areas in County Wicklow. To address the identified problem of social isolation and loneliness especially among the older adults, a solution was developed as a result of discussions with representatives consisting of local professionals who are involved in different aspects of health in each area. These discussions revealed a common challenge with many older adults experiencing social isolation due to retirement, loss of loved ones, or mobility issues which can lead to loneliness, depression, and a decline in mental health. Younger people also can face social isolation due to excessive screen time and a lack of meaningful face-to-face interactions.
The solution aimed to link Carnew Community Care Centre with the secondary school Coláiste Bhríde which are within walking distance of each other. Regular meetings were held during the planning phase to address issues such as project structure each week, scheduling and venue preparation. The purpose of the intergenerational drumming project was to bring together diverse age groups in a shared activity, promoting inclusivity, leading to a more connected and supportive community environment.
The final performance in week 10 included a showcase of rhythms developed throughout the project explaining the journey of the participants. This performance was promoted through local channels and flyers were distributed in Carnew and surrounding areas to ensure wide community awareness. Invitations were extended to the families of the participants which strengthened the connection between Carnew Community Care Centre, Coláiste Bhríde and the local community.
Community Collaboration key to project success
The cross collaboration with agencies, community groups, clubs and schools and the buy-in of the whole community has meant that this project has made a real impact. The successful implementation of the Intergenerational Drumming Circle Programme relied on strategic partnerships that brought resources, expertise and community engagement. These partnerships were crucial in ensuring the programme’s sustainability, reach and impact.
Carnew Community Care Centre – comprises of 28 housing units and a Day Centre which provides services to over 150 older people in Carnew/Tinahely/Shillelagh. In addition to the in-house services the Centre also provides approximately 40 meals on wheels to people in the rural surrounding areas. Collaborating with the Manger of Carnew Community Care Centre was the first step and essential in engaging the older adults who may benefit most from the programme.
The kitchen, administration, health care & volunteer teams coordinated the smooth running of the programme each week and ensured each participant enjoyed a tea session afterwards facilitating the exchange of stories, traditions, and values, enriching the cultural understanding of both generations.
Coláiste Bhríde Carnew – partnering with the transition year after school programme helped involve the younger participants. There are 24 students on the TY programme this year and one of its main aims for the students is to acquire a positive awareness of their community and therefore enable them to become active. Liaising with the principal Linda Dunne was instrumental to ensuring consistent participation in the Drumming Programme.
Professional Drumming Facilitator: Deirdre Howard is an experienced drumming facilitator was also key to the programme’s success. She led each session every week, ensuring that the activities were engaging, culturally appropriate and beneficial for all participants. Deirdre designed the project to enhance the physical and well-being of all participants which included a public performance at Carnew Community Care Centre inviting families and community members.
Evaluation shows positive results for mental health of participants
The Intergenerational Drumming Programme offers a holistic approach to well-being, combining physical activity, cognitive engagement, emotional expression, and social interaction in a way that benefits everyone involved, from the youngest participants to the oldest. This initiative has had both qualitive and quantitative results for all involved.
Measurable Results
On quantitative evaluation the main method used was the recommended Energy and Vitality Index (EVI). This consisted of four questions taken from the 36-item Rand Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) which was completed with participants pre and post initiative.
The purpose of this was to assess whether participants indicated an increase in positive mental health over the period of the drumming project. Using a scoring matrix to determine overall positive mental health levels, post activity results demonstrated a significant rise in participants indicating they felt happy, calm and peaceful and they had more energy as opposed to indicators in pre activity. Participants also indicated that they felt more full of life post activity compared to pre activity.
Benefits of Intergenerational Drumming Circles
| Benefit | How it helps? |
| Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
| Stress Relief and Emotional Expression: Drumming is known to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and providing a creative outlet for emotional expression. This is beneficial for both the elderly, who may struggle with loneliness, and for younger participants dealing with the pressures of school or work. Boosting Mood and Well-being: The rhythmic nature of drumming can induce a meditative state, which is associated with increased feelings of happiness and well-being. The shared experience of making music also brings joy and enhances overall emotional health. |
| Social Connection and Community Building | Bridging Generations: Intergenerational drumming circles bring together different age groups, fostering mutual understanding, respect, and communication between generations. This helps to reduce social isolation, particularly for older adults, and promotes a sense of belonging within the community. |
| Physical Health Benefits | Improved Motor Skills: Drumming involves coordinated hand movements, which can improve fine and gross motor skills across all age groups. For older adults, this can help maintain dexterity and coordination. Cardiovascular Exercise: The physical activity involved in drumming can be a low-impact form of cardiovascular exercise, promoting better heart health and physical fitness. Our oldest drummer from Carnew Community Care was 95 years old. |
| Therapeutic Benefits | Music Therapy: For those with specific health challenges, such as Alzheimer’s or developmental disabilities, drumming can be a therapeutic tool, helping to improve communication, coordination, and emotional expression. One participant has Parkinson’s and was able to engage in the full 10-week Programme |
Positive feedback from the project
The Intergenerational Drumming Circle Programme provides a platform for meaningful interaction and mutual support, the programme not only enhances the physical and mental health and wellbeing of its participants but also contributes to stronger, more inclusive communities.
The Manager of Carnew Community Care Centre Anne Kavanagh said
“The Circle Drumming workshop delivered here at Carnew Community Care exceeded all expectations in terms of the engagement for all age groups and abilities. The nature of the musical rhythm exercise transcended peoples, ages, abilities and roles at Carnew Community Care. Those involved from our local secondary school, Coláiste Bhríde and our day members and residents joined together in the language of rhythm enjoying each other’s company with an unspoken understanding. Exceeding our expectations, staff also joined in this irresistible activity creating a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie in the Centre and giving a sense of a whole community joining in positive engagement and an overall sense of wellbeing”.
Professional Drumming Facilitator Deirdre Howard mentioned
“Community Drumming is a remarkable tool used to place oneself in the here and now. Simply put, a drum circle is when a group of people gather, sitting on chairs, each with a drum and are all arranged in a circle experiencing the spontaneous creation of music. It has been a remarkable experience to witness the progression of the intergenerational programme in Carnew Community Care Centre where each individual is allowed the opportunity to express themselves through their individual instrument while simultaneously participating as part of a larger whole. Drum circles have no beginning or end, top or bottom. Such a construction places every participant on equal footing, a very important component in a therapeutic situation. I, as a facilitator, would guide and encourage the day care visitors/residents and staff of Carnew Community Care Centre and the transition year students of Coláiste Bhríde, hence promoting a safe, stress free, entertaining and fun environment to empower all participants. As the participants relax, enjoy and explore the music, their natural creativity and curiosity emerges, and the rhythms grow and chance”.
To learn more about the Intergenerational Drumming Project, email Lorraine Dunne Healthy Ireland Coordinator for Wicklow County Council at [email protected]
