Derry Carers Experience Enhanced Wellbeing Through Taiko Drumming

In a unique initiative blending cultural art with mental health support, a group of women carers from Derry has found solace and community through the traditional Japanese art of taiko drumming. This program, known as Taiko for Carers, has not only provided a creative outlet but also contributed significantly to the participants' mental wellbeing.

The Taiko for Carers group meets weekly in a dance studio located in a Derry industrial estate, where the rhythmic sounds of large, cowskin-covered drums reverberate through the air. The sessions, led by Fiona Umetsu—who has been instrumental in bringing taiko to Derry—allow participants to immerse themselves in the powerful beats and chants that characterize this centuries-old art form. Umetsu, who first encountered taiko while teaching English in Tokyo, later founded the local Japanese arts organization, Foyle Obon, to promote cultural exchange.

"You just felt it all through your body," recalls Umetsu, reflecting on her initial exposure to taiko. In 2009, motivated by her passion for the drums, she purchased a taiko drum during a return visit to Japan. Since then, she has devoted herself to sharing this art form with her community, establishing the Taiko for Carers project with funding from the Northern Ireland Department of Health.

The program has introduced over 150 carers to taiko drumming, offering them a much-needed respite from their demanding roles. Participants, such as Donna Large and Áine McFadden, have expressed how these sessions provide an invaluable break from their daily responsibilities. "The one night in the week I could sleep was after coming to taiko," says Large, who transitioned from retail management to foster caring. The community aspect of the group has also fostered connections among the women, allowing them to share experiences and support one another in their caregiving roles.

A recent study by Ulster University, published in 2024, has highlighted the mental health benefits of taiko drumming, including improved emotional regulation and reduced anxiety (Ulster University, 2024). Kelly Brown, a supervising social worker involved in the project, emphasizes the importance of mental fitness for effective caregiving. "When carers are mentally fit and mentally healthy, they can do a really good job of caring for our children," she states.

The Taiko for Carers group also engages in various cultural activities, including origami and traditional Japanese dances, further enriching their experience. Their recent performance at the Foyle Obon Festival, where they played in front of an audience of approximately 350 people, marked a significant achievement for many participants. For many, this was not just a performance but a celebration of community and resilience.

Looking ahead, Umetsu plans to seek additional funding to continue the project, which has proven to be a labor of love and a lifeline for many women in Derry. As they concluded their last session, the group shared a final chant, "otsukaresama deshita," a phrase that acknowledges their collective effort and honors the community spirit fostered through taiko drumming. The Taiko for Carers initiative not only highlights the therapeutic benefits of cultural art forms but also underscores the essential need for support and connection among caregivers, paving the way for similar initiatives in other communities.