Drumming Arts and Photography Alliance

Tower Hamlets Centre for Mental Health
This project engaged people with mental health issues in informal adult learning as a way of promoting better health and wellbeing and improving the local IAL infrastructure. Learners took part in drumming and photography workshops, producing an exhibition of work that will be shown across the borough of Tower Hamlets. They also formed a lasting network that will continue to interface with local mental health service and education providers. The project was publicised in a newsletter that covers employment and training opportunities for people with mental health issues, which has increased its circulation as a result.

Drumming Arts and Photography Alliance (DAPA)

What were the project aims?: 

The Occupational Therapy Department at Tower Hamlets Centre for Mental Health provides rehabilitation services to adult with severe and enduring mental illness. The aim of the DAPA project was to increase access to informal learning opportunities for mental health service users in Tower Hamlets. 

What did the project do?: 

The DAPA project provided drumming and photography workshops to adult users of mental health services in Tower Hamlets.

What did the project achieve?: 

The workshops were very successful and well attended, reaching over 100 individuals. The local press also supported the marketing and publicity of the project.

Participants in the workshops created 20 framed and mounted photographs as part of a travelling exhibition.

What lessons were learned?: 

It was important to get support staff involved. This allowed ongoing support to be provided for individuals using the mental health services. 

How can I get more information?: 

Louise Blanks

Occupational Therapy Department

Tel:0208 121 5005

louise.blanks@eastlondon.nhs.uk