a weekly music group for people (16+)
with learning disabilities and autism
WHAT IS
DABBLE AND SCRUNCH?
Established in 2021, we have been running sessions with the goal of providing fun and accessible music sessions for people aged 16+ with a range of disabilities and additional needs.
Our sessions are ideal for adults with additional needs requiring care from parents or carers. We welcome those with, but not limited to Autism, Down’s Syndrome and Intellectual Disability (ID).
explore sound and music
with Snacks
Join us for a special Dabble and Scrunch session at the Allens Cross Community Association, starting at 6:30pm on the 1st of May. We’ll be exploring music, games and sounds inspired by food!
Bring your favourite snacks and/or drinks, we’ll also provide some tasty treats to enjoy during the session.
Come along and experience what our group is like and how fun it can be. Entrance is FREE for newcomers and we love to meet new people!
Please ensure that you arrive before 6:30pm as not to overly disrupt those with rigid activity schedules.
We recommend those with severe food allergies to give this session a miss,
however do check out our regular sessions as food is not usually a part of our regular programming.
Please register using the button below so we know your coming!
Key Info
WHEN AND WHERE
DO WE MEET?
We meet at Allens Cross Community Association on Thursdays during the West Midlands school terms at 6:30pm
24 Tinkers Farm Rd, Birmingham B31 1RH
Some details about the space:
Accessible Parking.
Disabled Toilets.
The hall is very spacious.
There are no stairs to be navigated and everything is located on the ground floor.
WHAT TO BRING
WHEN YOU ATTEND
We will provide everything that a participant might need to take part during a session however if a participant has an instrument of their own that they would like to bring, we’d love to see it!
Please bring anything that you might require to make the sessions comfortable.
We require that carers/parents should accompany participants and take part during the sessions, assisting when required.
HOW MUCH
DOES IT COST?
Your first session will be free! After that, we ask members to pay these session rates*.
Either:
Reduced £4 per week or £16 a month
Normal £6 per week or £24 a month
Pay it Forward £8+ per week or £32+ a month
Parents/Carers are free!
You can pay on the day with cash or card, online or make a standing order.
There are several free places available for people with low income. When you sign up, you can let us know you’re interested in this.
*These rates are reduced from our other activities, don’t worry, this is deliberate.
Fill out the short form using the button above.
If you are unable to fill out the form, don’t worry. Contact us, and we’ll get you sorted!
Your primary leader, Reuben
Reuben Penny is a professional musician who has performed and composed music in a variety of different settings and places. He has over a decade of experience working with people with a range of disabilities and autism. Click Here to see a short video hello.
The Misfits Music Foundation has a commitment to providing training to up and coming leaders who want to work in the field of community music making for disabled adults. Our sessions will be accompanied by a trainee who, over the course of the year will assist then take more responsibilities within sessions. This year, Jim has been training with us and will be leading sessions during the Summer term.
Our main objective is to explore music and sound through a wide variety of activities and games. With a group that includes people with a range of different needs, we use visual elements with sound and movement so everyone can take part in their own way.
Singing/Listening to music
Exploring new unfamiliar music
Games and activities with props: parachutes, dice, toys, lights…
Inclusive Dancing
Updated traditional games: I knew an old lady who swallowed a fly, three blind mice, Old Mac Donald…
And Many More
Our sessions follow a set timetable so participants know what to expect every week.
We try to keep the structure of our sessions consistent week to week, helping those with autism to adjust to the timetable.
Where there are any changes to our standard sessions, (for example special events) carers and participants are told ahead of time so that they can mentally prepare for the session that might not adhere to our normal structure.
Please arrive to sessions before ready for a prompt start of 6:30pm
Exciting visitors and guests
We invite guests, including professional musicians to perform and show off their instruments during sessions. So far, we’ve featured:
The Music Seekers
Dabble and Crunch
The entire Royal Birmingham Conservator Saxophone Department
A Sitar Player
A Harp Player
We’ve also got further plans for other exciting guests and events!
At Christmas we had a special visit from some miniature donkeys and their keepers.
We meet at Allens Cross Community Association on Thursdays during the West Midlands school terms at 6:30pm.
24 Tinkers Farm Rd, Birmingham B31 1RH
Drive up through the green gates and park in the carpark towards the rear of the building, you will find the main entrance here. The front door is open and you are welcome to come on in.
Some details about the space:
Accessible Parking.
Disabled Toilets.
The hall is very spacious.
There is an atrium if a participant requires a quiet space.
To see a video tour of Allens Cross, Click Here
As a carer or parent of somone who attends Dabble and Scrunch, you are welcome to attend our steering group meetings.
We highly value the input of carers and parents. Relaying feedback from/on behalf of participants and providing ideas gathered through their lived experience ensures that we are providing the best sessions that we can.
Upcoming
Dabble and scrunch
Session Dates
Fill out the short form using the button below. If you are unable to fill out the form, don’t worry. Contact us, and we’ll get you sorted!
