WELLBEING
Ancient Wisdom Modern
Post Traumatic Growth for Women at Risk collated by Bob Lawson with Vital Beats
Two Women coming together harnessing their many musical and healing skills to create a cutting-edge integrative Arts organisation to facilitate therapeutic interventions for primarily Women at Risk in the South West. VITAL BEATS began working in HMP Eastwood Park women’s prison in 2015. They have devised a hugely successful model using Drum, Reflective Practice and Song. VITAL BEATS have worked diligently and consistently on the PIPE (psychologically informed planned environment) sharing these practices with Women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, serving extended sentences. Partnering with several organisations. VITAL BEATS have also supported Women who have experienced the criminal justice system for a variety of reasons. Some are Women who have lost custody of their children, Women escaping abusive relationships seeking refuge in Women's centres across the South West, Women in recovery from drug addictions and many more. VITAL BEATS have shared their Artforms with refugee groups, feminine gatherings, mental health support groups, festival attendees, general community, but first and foremost their work prioritises, and they are honoured to work with the most marginalized and at-risk women in our society. VITAL BEATS has just become a Charity in recognition of the services they provide. Down to themselves and their devoted trustees, and after three rounds of Arts Council Funding, they are now officially a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). Finally validating all their hard work, devotion and dedication over many years and proving themselves to have a high and consistent standard of excellence within potentially highly challenging environments like the criminal justice system. Take a look at their website for lots of info https://vital-beats.com/ 4
Kirby (on the left) and Chloe (on the right) are Vital Beats. Both Artists have worked on the Bristol and London Arts scene individually, together and with other collaborators for many years. Creating bespoke workshops catering to the individual needs of their clients. VITAL BEATS as a team have created a synergy that has a naturally positive and uplifting effect. Hearts open as they share their sheer love of the art of music making. The experience can be transformative as the sound waves are absorbed within the body. I’ve experienced their sessions in a variety of circumstances and one always walks or skips or dances away from them, all the better for crossing their paths. So it is particularly auspicious that we get to feature VITAL BEATS in this particular edition of Vocalise as we start to roll out as Bristol's Grass Roots Arts Culture & wellbeing magazine along with our usual great local features. As VITAL BEATS have recently gained charitable status they have the 'Wellbeing, Arts & Culture' stamp all over them. "It is a natural birthright for human beings to take part in soul enriching activities. VITAL BEATS are privileged to be able to initiate this work and use ancient Art forms as a unique, Vital and powerful tool to help transform the lives of Woman in the Criminal justice system" VITAL BEATS have a trauma informed approach when creating their workshops. Socially creative activities form an important part of the rehabilitation process for incarcerated women who's needs for rehabilitation are too often