Testimonial
for the work of Partick Beat March 2006
In East Renfrewshire,
we seek to affirm the role of family in learning by using the approach
called Family Learning. Family Learning aims to provide a range of
exciting activities for the whole family, in early years and beyond.
The 'Community
Well-being Project' is firmly rooted in Family Learning part of East
Renfrewshire Council's Education Department. It is one of four exemplar
projects in Scotland that have been funded for two years by the Scottish
Executive's National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being.
The purpose
of the project has been to explore that feel good factor, sense of
achievement, joy and solidarity that comes from families sharing an
experience together which can lead to a sustained progress in personal
and social interaction.
The 'Community
Well-being Project' engaged Partick Beat to lead a family drumming
event as part of the summer programme at Thornliebank Primary on the
2nd and 3rd of August 2005. Partick Beat held workshops for parents
and children, which lead to a shared experience for all those involved.
The programme
was very successful and exceeded expectation. The team from Partick
Beat enthused the participants with their infectious drumming approach.
We were particularly interested in how this event impacted on the
personal well-being of those involved. This was reflected in the following
comment made by a parent:
"I would
love to have one of these drums at home and in that way I would not
need to be on anti-depressants and that would be great."
It is also interesting to note that
a child who is hearing impaired requested a drum kit for his Christmas
as a direct result of his involvement in the programme.
