The Drum Circle was established in October 2000. The YPP team thought it would give the young people the opportunity to learn a new skill and engage in a different experience, which would hopefully lead to increased confidence, friendship, fun and promote individual talent.

WHAT IS A DRUM CIRCLE? -It is a group of people sharing rhythms and musical experience by playing hand a positive way drums. No experience necessary.

WHO IS IT FOR? -It is open to young men and women aged between 12 & 17 years old

WHERE IS IT? -At the Young Persons Project, 2 Old Lurgan Road, Portadown. Tel 028 38391155.

WHO RUNS IT? -"Sha" the musician, and Ellis Moss, Group co-ordinator. Funded by the Young Persons Project.

To offer young people an opportunity to learn a new skill, make friends, have fun, and feel good.

• To provide a warm, relaxed, friendly environment

• To encourage young people to use their energy in a positive way

• To provide an opportunity to learn drum rhythms from different cultures and countries

• To create an atmosphere where young people have the freedom to express themselves through drum rhythms

• To enable the young people to demonstrate their new talent through public performance (if they choose to do so)

The circle is facilitated by "Sha", an experienced musician who has developed his craft and style whilst visiting places like Mexico, Jamaica and California.

The YPP Drum Circle was initially thought to be a "gateway" to help young people build their confidence and self-esteem and help them progress to other activities. However it has now become one of the mainstream group activities within the Project.

Young people have found the drumming helps them express themselves in an non-threatening, safe way, which then helps them feel good about themselves. In addition for those young people who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, their participating in the Drum Circle has proved to significantly benefit their concentration skills.

The young people who have attended the programme have shown a willingness to participate and to learn drum rhythms. The skill of the young people has been impressive and has led to public appearances. They have played at t he launch of the Children's Services for the Southern Area Children's Services Planning Team in the Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena and more recently, for the "Torch of Hope" Special Olympics Ceremony in Portadown.