A Devon-based wellbeing initiative is helping people of all ages improve their physical and mental wellbeing by combining movement, rhythm and social connection through group drumming sessions
Founded by former headteacher and personal trainer Tamsin Ward, Drums4Health has expanded from a local project into a programme delivering weekly community classes, dementia sessions, school workshops, wellbeing events and festival experiences across the county
The sessions combine structured drumming patterns with movement to support physical fitness, emotional wellbeing and brain health. Activities can be completed either seated or standing, making them accessible to people with different abilities
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Tamsin said: “What makes Drums4Health different is that people are exercising without always realising it
“They are learning rhythms, coordinating movement, connecting with others and having fun
“By the end of the session they have worked their cardiovascular system, mobility, coordination and concentration all at once.”
Devon drumming sessions bring communities together (Image: Submitted)
Regular classes are held in locations including Teign Valley, Dawlish, Chudleigh, Bovey Tracey, Dunchideock and Topsham. Participants range from young children to people in their eighties. According to the organisation, many have reported improvements in confidence, mood, movement and social connection
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The organisation also works with dementia groups and care providers through its Drums4Dementia programme, which is designed to encourage social interaction, physical activity and cognitive stimulation for people living with dementia and their carers
Alongside its community work, Drums4Health delivers sessions in schools and SEND settings, where rhythm-based activities are intended to support coordination, focus, confidence and participation
This summer, the organisation is due to appear at community events and festivals including Hatherleigh Festival and Dawlish Carnival, where it will deliver large-scale drumming sessions for residents and visitors
Drums4Health has also developed its own purpose-built fitness drum, designed and manufactured in the UK. The portable equipment has been created for both seated and standing sessions and is intended to make classes easier to transport and deliver in community settings
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Looking ahead, Tamsin said she hopes to expand the programme across the UK through instructor training and licensing while keeping Devon at the centre of the initiative
She said: “We are incredibly proud that this has grown from Devon
“Whether we are working with school children, people living with dementia, festival audiences or community groups, the aim is always the same – to help people move more, connect more and feel better.”
More information about classes, events and instructor opportunities is available at www.drums4health.com
