This year, Batida Rio is working the music and drumming community across the globe to promote Drum For Health - a new initiative aimed at raising awareness of the mental and physical health benefits of playing music.

This year, we're taking Drum for Health up a notch; we're performing live in Time Square, Warrington to raise money for two critical local organisations.

Peace and Mind UK CIC (15237295) is dedicated to improving mental health in today’s society, by promoting mindfulness to create a more compassionate and supportive community for all.

Stamp Out Suicide (Charity# 1171162) operates a local helpline service for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and in need of help. They are a small, dedicated team looking to provide UK-wide support.

Batida Rio is the biggest Samba drumming group in the Warrington area. We focus on teaching and playing high-energy music that’s accessible to all, regardless of skill level or background. Batida Rio is about making great music, physical and mental well-being, supporting our community, and making friends!

We're welcoming people to donate directly with cash on the day, or via a QR code to our JustGiving page here. 100% of the money we raise will be split equally between our nominated organisations; we're covering all of the performance costs ourselves. We're grateful for all donations to these wonderful causes - and we encourage you to come to Batida Rio's drumming sessions on Thursday nights at Fearnhead Cross Community Centre in Warrington to find out for yourself how much community music can benefit social inclusion, physical health, and mental wellbeing.

Thank you!

About Drum for Health

Drum for Health is a new initiative, created by two UK-based Samba drumming groups, to promote the social, physical and mental health benefits of playing music. Rather than a charity in its own right, Drum for Health is a social media movement, encouraging community music groups, musicians and performers to showcase the work they do and why they do it. We're inviting music-makers to get involved through talking about their experiences, running workshops, holding public events, and raising money for local charitable organisations. We're looking to grow year on year, and getting involved is as easy as sharing to a hashtag.