Case Study: SParky Samba

Introduction

SParky Samba is a project initiated and driven by people affected by PD and wholeheartedly supported by Barracwda Samba. An exploratory taster session of samba percussion had an immediate impact on some PD symptoms, raised spirits and supported the hypothesis that health and well-being benefits of samba activity would be shown. An ACW grant enabled weekly workshops attended by a growing number of enthusiastic and committed participants. “…It’s so uplifting!” (participant) Under the leadership of musical director Sallie MacLennan, after less than nine months, a band of PaP is willing and able to perform a basic repertoire, encourage others in the Cardiff area to be active and join them and promote the health benefits widely.

The Challenge

PD is a neuro-degenerative condition with no cure and no way of slowing the degeneration. It is the 2nd most common (1% of 60+) and most rapidly increasing neuro-degenerative condition. It is multi-system and can affect movement, cognition and the autonomic system. Symptoms are often interrelated and treatments that are available can vary in their effectiveness from day to day, or even hour to hour. Guidance for PWP emphasises the importance of remaining active physically, mentally and socially, however apathy and poor motivation are actual symptoms. The opportunity to join a samba band for people affected by Parkinson’s has engaged and motivated a growing number of people who feel the impact. “Activity for body and mind-great fun and company” (participant)

The Approach

The main beneficiaries are those considered regular attenders of weekly workshops. Since the 1st of April 2023, the £12000 budget has provided 37, hour long workshops, led by Sallie MacLennan, of Barracwda, and 24 are now the SParky Samba band. A further 16 have attended 1 or more workshop for different reasons including 3 grandchildren who come when they can. Sallie’s teaching style creates a climate of success and before the end of May the SParky Samba band were able to do their first performance backed up by Barracwda at a prestigious event at Cardiff University. Playing surrounded by Barracwda Samba gave a deeper experience of the musicality of a purely percussion band, inspiring and fostering aspirations to learn more. Including rehearsals, 35 members of Barracwda have been involved in 6 joint sessions and learned about Parkinson’s and its effects particularly through a storytelling performance given by one of SParky Samba. With growing confidence SParky Samba has been able to do 5 performances over the 9 months including leading a parade in Bute Park for Walk for Parkinson’s with total audience for all performances estimated in excess of 700. Other art activity involved taster sessions for 50+ people and a print work exploring promotional images.

The Impact

A study supervised by Dr Katy Hamana, School of Life Sciences, Cardiff University and relatively informal project reporting describe outcomes (see evaluation). What follows below is a reflective list of impacts. • The band is able to perform a simple repertoire and learning new rhythms is a quicker process than at first. Samba has been shown to be a feasible activity for PWP, that stimulates the brain, potentially forging new neural pathways. • PWP move better after a workshop and frequently comment that they feel better physically and emotionally. “ Rwy wastad yn teimlo’n well” (participant) • The social bonding between members of the group is very clear. "Lots of new SParky friends” (participant) Communal music making fosters a welcoming atmosphere for new members. • Performing and having a platform to demonstrate a positive attitude to living with Parkinson’s is very important to several members and could have widespread health influence. • This positive attitude is welcomed by the families of PWP who support events. Our oldest supporter is 100, 1 of 4 generations who are now part of the SParky family. • Interaction with members of Barracwda has been beneficial musically and emotionally. “I’m treated like an ordinary person again."(participant)

Lessons Learned

Eirwen Malin acted as a Volunteer Coordinator to bring the Parkinson’s perspective adding to Sallie’s Community Music expertise. Learning points include:- • Sessions should always include some Parkinson’s style warm up exercises. • Playing in with a bigger band was an experiential inspiration • Difficulty in travelling to the venue is a major barrier, even with financial support offered, provision of personal support would be helpful • Referrals paths from professionals working with PWP need to be fully developed

The Legacy

Firstly, the Cardiff SParky Samba band will continue to work with Sallie to increase in size and perform, relaunching a recruitment campaign, and encourage referral pathways. We have commissioned a promotional video. Significant interest in SParky Samba from other parts of Wales and beyond spurred Parkinson's UK Cymru to seek funding to implement the concept elsewhere in Wales, our sustainability will inform that project. We will support Cardiff University in a research trial of SParky Samba as a therapeutic intervention.

Website and Social Media Links

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@SParkySamba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-iMyRqGQEc Parkinson’s UK https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/ Parkinson’s UK Cardiff https://www.cardiff-parkinsons.org/ Parkinson’s UK Cymru https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/about-us/parkinsons-uk-cymru Facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Parkinsons%20Cymru Barracwda Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/barracwda/?locale=en_GB

Contact Details

Eirwen Malin - sparky.samba@gmail.com infosparky2024@gmail.com

Download "SParky Samba"

Tags: Parkinson's, Parkinson's Disease, PD, people affected by Parkinson's (PaP), movement disorder, neurodegenerative, freezing of gait, apathy, loss of motivation Samba, music, percussion, drumming, physical activity, mental activity, community, deliberateness, intent, performance, cognition, neuroplasticity

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