Providing day services and support to adults with physical and sensory disabilities and their carers

To provide high quality and affordable day services, activities and support to adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities and their carers living in Hertfordshire

Why the community needs this charity

DRUM provides an essential service to over 70 disabled adults and a regular day break to over 100 unpaid carers. DRUM is a unique group and is the only day service of this type in Watford and the surrounding areas.

Results and outcomes

DRUM is a user-led group. The majority of our management committee, volunteers and staff are either disabled or have personal caring experience which ensures that our services effectively meet the needs of our service users and the local community. Hertfordshire Care Providers Association Awards 2011 - DRUM announced as 'Team of the Year'

Latest activities and projects

Oriental Express Art Project

The art project was based on China and the Far East and as usual, DRUM members rose to the challenge magnificently and produced a huge variety of work within this theme. Working 'Chinese style' challenged many members normal artistic styles and many learnt new ways to be creative, working with their disabilities, such as creating exciting new forms of collage. The 'Oriental' theme also provided different ways for members to work on joint projects such as an enormous Chinese dragon. read more

Day Trips and Social Events

Although we often get out and about locally (pub lunches, bowling etc) it is much more difficult to get transport to take large groups on day trips. Also, costs are high. When we do so, we need to hire a large wheelchair accessible coach. Trips include going to the theatre, seaside, zoo, art galleries and museums. The large coach has a tail lift and capacity to take 5 fixed wheelchairs and 38 others, including other members in wheelchairs that transfer in to a seat.  read more

Art Therapy Sessions and Art Materials

Art sessions include painting, creative crafts, textiles and ceramics. Sessions are held 4 mornings a week and average attendance is between 20-25 disabled members. Sessions are led by tutors and volunteers. Students from loccal colleges and secondary schools are able to join DRUM on work experience placements and assist members during the activity sessions. NEW ART PROJECT FOR 2010/11 - 'OURSELVES AND OTHERS'. read more

Yoga Therapy Sessions

Yoga therapy sessions for adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities and their carers. Yoga sessions are held three afternoons per week.  read more

'impARTial' Disability Awareness Sessions

Disability Awareness Sessions with local schools, colleges and community groups. read more

'Passage to India' Art Project 2008/9

Art project inspired by India read more

Angling Sessions

After several induction sessions at DRUM, our members began angling sessions with the Watford Piscators in May 2004. The sessions are generally held on a Saturday morning , weather permitting, from May - October each year. An open day is held each year when members and their families spend a day at the lakes, enjoying angling, art and a BBQ. As many members are housebound, the angling sessions are particularly popular, as members get to spend time outside, relaxing in natural surroundings. read more

'Best of British' Art Project 2009/10

With all the doom and financial gloom around, we felt that a little spirit-lifting was in order. The 'Best of British' project was a celebration of all that we have to be thankful for. Thanks to Blue Peter, most of us have grown up learning how to make a lot out of very little. Which other nation could find so many uses for a cereal box, loo roll and sticky-back plastic?  read more