Type of service: Interventions and therapies, Play and leisure, Social skills

The Science of Rhythm project delivers person centred interactive drumming sessions to special and mainstream schools as well as community groups in North Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands. The group sessions are for 6 to 18 year old students on the autism spectrum and those with associated learning disabilities, and help them to build self-confidence, break down barriers and inhibitions, and plan for their own futures. The project, led by Biant Singh Suwali - an experienced percussionist and social worker, and Transitions Coordinator for the Mansfield Community Learning Disability Team, aims to establish transition drumming groups that will develop into self-sustaining sessions facilitated by a teacher and participants. The project was initially only open to Year 9 students and up, however participating schools were keen for sessions to be available to younger children so after-school clubs - 'Rhythm is One' - were also set up. This enables Biant to make more comprehensive assessments when the young people move into transition because he has already established a relationship with them. He can then continue this relationship through their Year 9 reviews until they leave school. Sessions are also run within the voluntary sector through Mansfield based charity APTCOO (A Place to Call Our Own). Here Biant is able to access those people who are not necessarily on the social services radar as their condition is not severe, but who still have very real support needs.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Young person

Covers: East Midlands

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific

Other specialisms: Learning disability