Don’t push me cause I’m close to the edge, I’m trying not to lose my head

Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, The Message

“About one-third of individuals who misuse substances have
co-occurring mental health conditions” – Health Research Board (2019, p.14)

Much of hip hop music & rap (street poetry set to a beat) is the storytelling of the harsh realities of life for some. Its music, lyrics and stories are ustilised in The Harmony Workshops to understand the root causes and link between poor mental health influences such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma and substance misuse.

 Evidenced-based with empirical research, The Harmony Workshops are a psychoeducation, integrative approach in the prevention and rehabilitation of the coexisting disorder of dual diagnosis.

Endorsed by the Health Service Executive of Ireland (HSE) and delivered in youth organisations, post-primary schools, drug treatment centres and the Irish Prison Service (IPS), groups experience a deep awareness of the issues underlying poor mental health and substance misuse and through a creative rap / poetry performance workshop, learn how to develop resilience and come to identify:  

  • The psychopathology of poor mental health and drug/alcohol misuse
  • Recognize the risk of using cannabis (weed), alcohol or other drugs to self-medicate painful experiences or emotions.
  • Learn how to apply preventative strategies and build resilience through psychosocial interventions to manage poor mental health and substance misuse.
  • Overcome the stigma of mental health illness and/or drug/alcohol addiction and find the courage to access help and support structures.

A rap composition & performance workshop also offers participants with a unique platform to express and take ownership of their own personal stories & challenging emotions through the microphone.

The Harmony Workshops offer a voice to face, explore and realise a new life for those struggling with dual diagnosis.

“We sell our dreams and our potential to escape through a buzz, just keep me up, keep me up, Hollywood here we come”

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Otherside.

Since 2009, over 15,000 individuals have participated in the workshops nationwide!