The Harmony Workshops

Understanding mental health & substance misuse through hip hop music

Shortlisted for The Social Entrepreneur of Ireland Awards 2013 and endorsed by the HSE, The Harmony Program Workshops are an innovative approach to drug and alcohol education & prevention. Utilising evidence-based music therapy for addiction and grounded in the biopsychosocial (biological, psychological, social factors) and epidemiological (patterns, causes, effects) treatment models for addiction, The Harmony Program educates, increases self-awareness and builds preventative strategies for those involved in or vulnerable to alcohol and substance misuse. Using popular music, video and cinematic film (e.g. Amy Winehouse, Eminem, U2, Ed Sheeran, Leonardo DiCaprio) participants discover, explore and express thoughts, feelings and actions that may underlay their substance misuse. These workshops develop an understanding of the chronic disorder of addiction and its destructive and fatal repercussions. The programme build’s on self-efficacy, recovery and coping skills leading to improved relationships for individuals, family, friends and life. The six ninety minute workshops include Pop Music Video (Education) Popular music and video with themes of alcohol and substance misuse are explored and discussed through the emotional connection of music, lyrical analysis and song with structured and interaction learning. Vulnerability, help and supports are also examined through music. DJing (New Coping Skills) Participants are guided in compiling their own personal DJ set lists of music to effect disposition change when dealing with challenging emotions. Selections of music are played and analysed by participants. Sport is also explored as a coping skill for substance use triggers such as anger, aggression, frustration etc. Song writing, Rap, Poetry (Self-Awareness & Expression) Participants are assisted in creating their own awareness and self-expression on the effects of alcohol and/or substance misuse through the writing of rap, poetry or song. These are preformed and discussed within the group. Movie (Insight) In popular cinematic film participants connect with real life experiences of substance misuse in its authentic world. Encouraging honest, open and direct talk, the themes of addiction, recovery and hope are further explored. Certificates awarded to individuals on completion of the workshops The Harmony Program has received praise from a variety of substance misuse organisations “Through the use of music and film and its up-to-date understanding of addiction, this distinctive drug and alcohol program has allowed our clients to build on their recovery through its powerful use of music therapy.” - Aislinn Addiction Centre, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. “The Harmony Program is a wholly unique approach to drug and alcohol education, self awareness and prevention. Its use of music and film allowed our clients to connect very quickly on a deep emotional level, enabling them to face up to the realities of their substance misuse in a non-confrontational approach.” - Matt Talbot Addiction Services, Cara Lodge, Co. Cork. “This programme brings another element to drug information dissemination and decision making skills for people.“ - Health Service Executive of Ireland (HSE), South Tipperary. “The Harmony Program provides a creative dimension to drug education and prevention, reaching participants on their level and through a medium that they easily identify with.” - Mid Tipperary Drug Initiative, Cashel, Co. Tipperary. “The Harmony Programs has really had an impact on changing the behaviour and understanding of drugs for our group following on from the programme.” - Tipperary Regional Youth Service. A random selection of workshop evaluations showed that 82% said The Harmony Program developed an understanding of the negative effects of substance misuse on their personal life, 80% on the negative effects on relationship and family with 97% saying they would recommend the workshops to someone experiencing substance misuse issues.