DRUM is a small registered charity, based in Watford, providing day services, activities and support for around 70 adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities and over 100 unpaid carers. DRUM was started over 14 years ago by a small group of disabled volunteers wishing to improve local facilities for physically disabled people. DRUM is now run by a management committee made up of disabled members, volunteers and carers, supported by a fantastic team of 7 part time staff and continues to go from strength to strength. Why does DRUM work? Because we are passionate about what we do and extremely proud of our achievements. DRUM is currently open in Watford from 9.00am - 3.00pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, with a new outreach project on a Wednesday in North Bushey. Among the opportunities available are activities in areas such as arts, education, social and leisure, health and personal development. Many of our activities are also tailored to meet the specific needs of our members in areas such as mobility or daily living skills. People with different disabilities have different needs. We provide activities that are accessible to all persons with all types of physical and/or sensory disabilities. Our activity sessions are held twice a day and are led by qualified tutors, assisted by volunteers. Activities include:- art, creative crafts, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, yoga, creative dance, complementary therapy, drama, indoor bowls, gardening and angling with the Watford Piscators at their Tolpits Lane Complex. We will try anything! In addition to our daily activities, we also provide transport, refreshments, hot lunches, daily newspapers, reading books, tape books, playing cards, board games, nail manicurist, chiropodist, hairdresser and arrange regular day trips, outings and social events. Some members were born with a disability however the majority of our members have developed a disability through an accident or illness such as a Stroke or MS. We are a lively group and ages range from 18 – 88 years old! Members come from all walks of life, all age groups, nationalities, faiths, all with different levels of disability. Many of our members first come to DRUM feeling isolated, lonely and depressed. Many have felt confused, not knowing which way to turn after leaving hospital or as their condition worsens. Most have led very active and ‘normal’ lives and do not want to attend a ‘day centre’ but there are very few alternatives, especially in this area. DRUM is different. We are a user-led group, run by the disabled, for the disabled. There is only one DRUM! Over a third of our members relies on personal care from a carer, a relative, friend or neighbour. DRUM provides a regular day break for these carers with additional services including transport, free training, information, advice and yoga sessions. DRUM promotes the significance of the carer’s role and their contribution to our health care system. Carers need a break, sometimes just a couple of hours to do some shopping, meet friends or get some sleep but others may be juggling paid work with their unpaid caring responsibilities at home. Whilst our priority to carers is to provide them with a regular break, we also encourage carers, families and friends to get involved. A break from caring is invaluable in reducing the psychological and emotional stress faced by many carers but networking with other carers, talking through your problems with others in a similar situation, is also very important.... everyone needs to have a moan sometimes, without feeling guilty about it! Our Carer Support sessions are held on a monthly basis and these sessions provide carers with an opportunity to share information, ideas and life experiences. It is through the context of a supportive peer environment that an individual can gain skills and self confidence needed to overcome barriers and learn to manage personal and community resources