Callaloo Carnival Arts are running weekly workshops in community venues throughout North Kirklees for young people aged 14 to 25 who are interested in joining a percussion orchestra.
The supporting and inclusive percussion group offers young people who experience challenges in daily living, caused by chronic illness, mental health or a caring role, the chance to join a group that is open and friendly through which they can learn new skills and meet new people.
Callaloo Carnival Arts is a small social enterprise, based in Dewsbury & Mirfield. We have been formally constituted since January 2014, but have been working together informally for almost 20 years. The Directors, volunteers and most of the current members have many years of experience of using NHS services as patients and/or as carers.
We have a range of professional experience and qualifications, but it is our lived experience of what has been helpful and what has been less helpful when seeking support and services for ourselves or our family members which motivated us to seek to provide an alternative approach.
We use creative activities to enable people to enjoy a richer more fulfilling life and to break down divisions which exist in communities and promote the positive images and narratives about mental health, disability and difference which are often lacking in mainstream media.
Through the percussion orchestra, we hope to offer people the chance to meet others who experience similar challenges as them, boost their self-esteem and confidence by learning a new skill and offer a different perspective on mental health and disabilities.