Disability Recreation Unity Movement is a small registered charity and a user led group based in North Watford, providing activities, services and support to adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities living in South West Hertfordshire.
DRUM is a very successful, well established and unique organisation, user led since 1994 and the only service of its kind in Watford and the surrounding areas.
As a user led service, DRUM is run by a management committee of disabled members and carers, so service users are always involved in planning and delivering services at DRUM.
DRUM offers affordable, innovative and high quality day activities for adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities, an alternative to the more traditional ‘day centre’.
At least two activity sessions are held daily and include art and creative crafts, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, exercise, yoga, dance, music and singing, gardening and woodwork.
DRUM provides refreshments, a light breakfast and a hot lunch for those that need it. Members can also bring in a packed lunch.
DRUM may be able to arrange transport through Hertfordshire Dial-a-Ride (subject to availability). You must be registered with Herts Dial-a-Ride, which you can do on-line.
DRUM also organise regular leisure activities, day trips and social events. Additional in-house services are also available and include a hairdresser, chiropodist and masseuse, for both our members and their carers.
The majority of DRUM members were not born disabled but have acquired a disability through a sudden accident or illness such as a stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, brain or spinal injuries. Most members have a physical disability and/or cognitive, speech, hearing and sensory impairments. Ages range from 18 – 97 years old!
Many members (and their carers) first come to DRUM suffering with feelings of isolation and depression, as a sudden disability can have a devastating effect on their life and those around them - mentally, physically and financially. Our experienced and devoted team of staff and volunteers provide a caring and friendly environment, providing an opportunity for members to meet other people in a similar situation; to share interests, make new friends, learn new skills, keep active, stay healthy and regain independence and confidence.
DRUM provides a regular day break and additional support to unpaid carers and families. Some carers just need a break - to sleep, meet with friends and family or do housework and shopping. Other carers are juggling paid employment with their unpaid caring responsibilities at home. Carers are able to join in with any of the activities, social events and day trips organised by DRUM.
The DRUM management committee is supported by a dedicated team of seven staff, a handful of tutors and a team of wonderful volunteers, who work above and beyond all expectations. Alongside their already very busy day, the team do all the charity’s fundraising, marketing, catering and cleaning tasks and even managed to refurbish the whole community centre! Their dedication and hard work has been recognised through numerous awards.
DRUM is the only local group to have won four Watford Audentior Awards – twice for Charitable Group of the Year, the Lewington-Price Disability Access Award and Young Achievers of the Year. In 2019 the team were also finalists for the Carer of the Year award.
During the Covid 19 Pandemic, DRUM only closed for 5 months, continuing to support members and their carers/families whilst at home with on line activities, delivering shopping, regular telephone calls and door step and garden visits. DRUM reopened in September 2020 and remained open six days a week throughout the pandemic, providing face-to-face day services to members and carers.
The DRUM Team received recognition of their services during the pandemic and were awarded the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Award, the Hertfordshire Contribution to Care Award and a Watford Audentior Award.
Previous awards include the Hertfordshire Care Team of the Year in 2011 and Regional Finalists in the
Great British Care Awards in 2012.
Our Manager, Sarah Sullivan, was awarded the Inspirational Team Leader Award at the Hertfordshire Care Awards in 2015. In 2016 DRUM were finalists in the Most Innovative Care Team and the team are also through to the finals of this year's Hertfordshire Care Awards, to be held in June 2022.
GO TEAM DRUM - WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!
Read more about the Parkgate Community Centre Refurbishment