New drumming group will help kids with disabilities

Weekly, hour-long, after-school sessions, which got underway this week, have been organised by the Calm Farm group,

They are for children aged five - 16 and take place at Peoples Green House, Broad Oak Park, Bexhill. The cost is just £2 per child per week and the course is for eight weeks.

Holly Heffernen, from Calm Farm, said: “These groups are led by a professional Brazilian drum teacher experienced in working with mainstream and additional needs groups.

“He uses a wide range of Brazilian style drums which are handmade and authentic in their sound and quality, making the whole experience conducive to a therapeutic and inspirational space for children and their siblings to enjoy and come together.

“The drumming activity can be overseen by parents/carers who can either be involved in the process or observe from a distance and relax with a drink.

“We would like to invite siblings along to enjoy the whole experience as well. Siblings of the special needs child can often feel left out and/or unsupported by the parent/carer who is required to give the vulnerable child ongoing intense care and attention.

“We feel that including siblings in this creative experience will encourage a healthy bonding for both children, raise self-esteem and allow the parent/carer much needed respite during the sessions.

“The staff have cleared, enhanced DBS checks, full insurance and are experienced in working with children with various needs in group settings.”

For more information and booking forms, visit the website www.calmfarm.org.uk.

Calm Farm has also organised a ten week confidence building project for children, which gets underway on Wednesday April 13. Details can be found on the website.

Bexhill based Calm Farm has been running since 2007 and is a Community Interest Company and ‘not for profit’.

Their aims are to promote social inclusion, develop skills for learning, life and employment, to improving well-being through a broad range of sensory, therapeutic, healthy and educational services for children, young people, parents and carers, including services for additional learning needs and PMLD.

Services for early years and young people include counselling and play therapy; health and well-being workshops in schools and colleges; targeted youth work; inclusive sports events and music and sensory groups for babies and toddlers. They also provide services for adults.

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