Drumming up the fun at the Becton Centre!

Patients at the Becton Centre’s Sapphire Lodge got the chance to unleash their creativity with a series of virtual drumming workshops. The fun sessions, part of the Artfelt Sounds project funded by Youth Music, were held in small groups sitting together in a circle, playing along to music and creating different rhythms and beats, whilst being tutored virtually by Brian, a drumming teacher via video call.

Annie Parish, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Occupational Therapist at the Becton Centre said: “The sessions were fun, relaxed and interesting. I think it provided the opportunity for people to try something a bit different. It also gave our young people and staff the opportunity to share the activity and offer encouragement to each other. There was a lot of laughter and a LOT of noise!”

Artfelt, The Children’s Hospital Charity arts programme, provide a variety of activities to the Becton Centre and across Sheffield Children’s. After hearing suggestions from young patients to host a drumming circle, they arranged for a drumming teacher to host sessions and funded a varied selection of instruments for the children to use.

Charlotte Newton, Artfelt Engagement Coordinator said: “It’s been great to see patients and staff getting involved, week in and week out. In these isolating times; the sessions have given everyone a real boost; a chance to socialise, make music together and have many laughs along the way! Its been a pleasure to witness”

The Becton Centre for Children and Young People is a state-of-the-art centre for children and young adults aged up to 18 with serious and complex mental health issues. The centre offers intensive outreach treatment, day and inpatient services in four lodges: Amber Lodge (ages 5-11), Emerald Lodge (ages 10-14), Ruby Lodge (ages 8-18) and Sapphire Lodge (ages 14-18).

Due to the existing COVID-19 restrictions, these weekly one-hour drumming sessions were held virtually to ensure the group was able to run safely. Instead of attending in person, the teacher delivered sessions by video link and all seating was arranged with 2 metre distance between all participants.

The engaging sessions were well-received by all colleagues and young people at the Becton Centre and will be running once again from next month on Emerald Lodge.

One young person said: “It was so much fun it made us all laugh, we all laughed together and encouraged each other. I felt distracted and not anxious” whilst another added it was “the best part of my day. It helped me forget all the bad stuff”.

Annie added; “We’re grateful for all the input from Artfelt, who have always been so thoughtful and committed to providing us with meaningful activities, to enhance the experience of our patients and improve the environment. We’d also like to thank our wonderful drumming teacher, Brian! He made the sessions good fun and accessible for all.”

Drum roll for the next visit!