Drum 4UR Life is seeking £1,000 to deliver a programme of community-based wellbeing, recovery and creative participation activities across North Ayrshire. Our main base is located in the Three Towns where all our larger gatherings take place. Through drumming, wellbeing workshops, peer support and volunteer development, we support people experiencing social isolation, poor mental health, loneliness, poverty and barriers to community participation. Our activities are co-produced with participants and delivered by a professional community music practitioner alongside trained peer facilitators and volunteers with lived experience, ensuring local people have a direct role in shaping and delivering activities. 

The project will provide regular rhythm-based wellbeing sessions that create safe and welcoming spaces for people to build confidence, develop friendships, improve resilience and strengthen connections within their community. Alongside these sessions, we will deliver a series of CHIME-informed wellbeing workshops focusing on Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment, helping participants improve their mental health, wellbeing and recovery outcomes. 

A key aspect of the project is volunteer development and community ownership. Funding will support training, mentoring and development opportunities for volunteers, peer facilitators and those in our community, many of whom have progressed through our own programmes and wish to give back to their communities. This increases local skills, leadership opportunities and the sustainability of our charity. 

The funding will also contribute towards our annual Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) programme and flagship Big Drum Circle community event. In 2025, our festival activities demonstrated significant impacts on confidence, social connection, empowerment and wellbeing, with participants reporting increased confidence, new friendships and improved community connections. Feedback showed many participants overcame anxiety and self-doubt through supportive participation in group drumming and facilitation activities. Participants joined us in Ayrshire from as far as Perth, Scotland and from other community groups sharing our commitment to empowering and strengthening community relations  

In 2026, we have a unique opportunity to welcome internationally recognised community rhythm facilitators who are joining us here in North Ayrshire. Arthur Hull, founder of Village Music Circles and internationally recognised pioneer of the modern community drum circle movement, alongside global trainers and facilitators connected to Village Music Circles and Rhythm2Recovery, will contribute to a full day interactive workshop focused on community rhythm, facilitation, wellbeing and leadership development. This presents an exceptional opportunity for local residents, volunteers, community organisations, educators and health professionals to access internationally respected expertise without the financial barriers normally associated with this level of training. Building on a series of lead-up community events and workshops, the programme will culminate in our annual Big Drum Circle, bringing people together to celebrate connection, creativity, recovery and community wellbeing. 

Breakdown of Costs (£1,000)

Community Wellbeing Sessions - £250

• Venue hire and delivery costs for rhythm-based wellbeing sessions.
• Resources and percussion equipment to support participation.

CHIME Wellbeing Workshops - £250

• Room Hire
• Delivery of wellbeing and recovery-focused workshops.
• Learning materials, participant resources and session support.

Volunteer Development and Peer Facilitator Support - £250

• Room hire
• Volunteer training, mentoring and development opportunities.
• Building local leadership, peer support and facilitation capacity.

Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Programme and Big Drum Circle - £250

• Contribution towards venue, materials and participant support.
• Community engagement activities leading up to the annual Big Drum Circle.
• Support for an interactive learning event involving internationally recognised facilitators volunteering their expertise to benefit the local community.
• Accessibility measures, refreshments and event resources to ensure participation is open and inclusive.

Total Requested: £1,000

Expected Outcomes

• Increased confidence, resilience and wellbeing for participants.
• Reduced social isolation and improved community connections.
• More volunteers trained and supported to become peer facilitators.
• Greater community participation in creative wellbeing activities.
• Access to world-class community rhythm learning opportunities within North Ayrshire.
• Strengthened partnerships and increased community ownership of local wellbeing activities.
• A successful Big Drum Circle community celebration bringing together participants, volunteers, professionals and community members from across the area.  from across the area.