Play, Belong, Heal

My name is Guy and I run Hands On Percussion. I have used drums and percussion to enhance wellbeing for over 20 years in many educational settings, community groups and psychological therapy clinics. I believe that rhythm and sound are powerful tools that can enhance our wellbeing as we experience joy, creativity and belonging. All interventions are based on Polyvagal Theory, the science of feeling safe and regulated. I am a fully qualified Safe and Sound Protocol Practitioner and also a qualified Sound Therapy Practitioner.

Our Services

For Young People: Educational settings/Alternative Provision/Home Educated/EOTAS

I offer various interventions for children who flourish in an individual or small group setting, while still providing movement and fun. Workshops are designed for children who are struggling in certain areas of their life in the form of 1:1 mentoring, small group sessions, or even getting the family playing music together!

For All: Group Drumming

Hands On Percussion drum sessions are a great way to connect with yourself and others and offer a chance to relax, meet new people and improve your physical and mental health. Sessions are informal and are not about performance but participation, and beginners of all ages are very welcome.

For Adults: Sound Therapy

Sound therapy sessions, or sound baths, can be delivered 1:1 and in all small groups.

They are designed to soothe, heal and relax the mind and body using sound and can be delivered in the home, business, school or even in nature.

For All: Safe and Sound Protocol

This intervention is a listening therapy, designed by Dr Stephen Porges, that is designed to soothe the vagus nerve and enable regulation. This intervention can be delivered face to face or remotely via an App which makes it ideal for those who struggle to leave the house.

The Benefits of Sound Therapy

There are numerous physical and mental health benefits to playing drums and participating in Sound Therapy:

  • Creates positive, feel good, feelings.

  • Improves the immune system.

  • Stops intrusive and repetitive thoughts by being in the present moment.

  • Sharpens the memory and increases cognitive function.

  • Gives opportunity for personal growth by learning a new skill.

  • Reduces stress, depression and anxiety.

  • Calms the nervous system.

  • Releases negative feelings.

  • Helps relieve chronic pain by releasing rhythmic vibrations and endorphins

  • Creates friendships and fosters a sense of connectedness through community drumming

Drumming can benefit many different populations, the elderly, people with chronic pain, loneliness, anxiety and depression, and those recovering from addiction and illness.

It is the most accessible form of music making and no previous musical experience is necessary, just a desire to have fun and learn a new skill.