DRUMMING circles which focus on boosting mental health are set to take place in Ardrossan next month.

Beginning on August 3, the sessions are run by the organisation ‘Drum 4ur life’, who focus on providing therapeutic collaborative drumming groups.

Classes at the The Nazarene Church are led by trained musician Michelle Connolly and are free to attend with equipment for each session fully provided.

Michelle said: “You’re in a place where everybody’s welcome, and there’s an immediate sense of community and connection.

“Often what I find is that drummers arrive feeling anxious, but they’ll leave feeling great because they realise the importance of unity.

“There’s something extremely rewarding about seeing someone who suffers from anxiety and has never been in a place like this suddenly come alive after drumming.

“Everybody with a heartbeat has rhythm so you don’t need to be a musician to enjoy drumming in this environment because it’s about connection, community, and empowerment.”

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Initially launching in 2019, North Ayrshire Wellbeing & Recovery College funded sessions were halted by the Covid-19 restrictions that came in place a year later.

Since relaunching, the ‘Drum 4ur life’ group has taken part in festivals such as the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and Turning Point Family Fun Day in Kilwinning and will be hosting sessions at the upcoming Making Waves festival in Irvine.

Measures have been taken to make the groups as accessible as possible for people with additional support needs, with sensory appropriate drum skins available for those who struggle with loud noises.

Michelle is also launching Gruvi Beatz sessions for families in Stevenson’s Ardeer Community Hub where they can explore listening, experimenting, and improvising with rhythm.

She added: “My heart is always to give kids the platform they need to excel and feel like they’re empowered.”

A mentorship programme where Michelle will teach participants how to lead sessions will be provided for select participants.

More information can be found at facebook.com/drum4URlife or by visiting Michelle’s website: michelle-connolly.co.uk/gruvibeatz.