The Harmony Workshops

The Harmony Workshops Using popular music, video and cinematic film (e.g. Vulnerability, help and supports are also examined through music.

Evidenced-based workshops that utilise contemporary music, lyrics and a creative rap/song/poetry performance workshop to reveal the root causes of drug/alcohol misuse and understand its link with mental illness- dual diagnosis. Shortlisted for The Social Entrepreneur of Ireland Awards 2013 and endorsed by the HSE, The Harmony Program Workshops are an innovative approach to drug and alcohol education & prevention. Utilising evidence-based music therapy for addiction and grounded in the biopsychosocial (biological, psychological, social factors) and epidemiological (patterns, causes, effects) treatment models for addiction, The Harmony Program educates, increases self-awareness and builds preventative strategies for those involved in or vulnerable to alcohol and substance misuse. Amy Winehouse, Eminem, U2, Ed Sheeran, Leonardo DiCaprio) participants discover, explore and express thoughts, feelings and actions that may underlay their substance misuse. These workshops develop an understanding of the chronic disorder of addiction and its destructive and fatal repercussions. The programme build’s on self-efficacy, recovery and coping skills leading to improved relationships for individuals, family, friends and life. The six ninety minute workshops include
Pop Music Video (Education) Popular music and video with themes of alcohol and substance misuse are explored and discussed through the emotional connection of music, lyrical analysis and song with structured and interaction learning. DJing (New Coping Skills) Participants are guided in compiling their own personal DJ set lists of music to effect disposition change when dealing with challenging emotions. Selections of music are played and analysed by participants. Sport is also explored as a coping skill for substance use triggers such as anger, aggression, frustration etc. Song writing, Rap, Poetry (Self-Awareness & Expression) Participants are assisted in creating their own awareness and self-expression on the effects of alcohol and/or substance misuse through the writing of rap, poetry or song. These are preformed and discussed within the group. Movie (Insight) In popular cinematic film participants connect with real life experiences of substance misuse in its authentic world. Encouraging honest, open and direct talk, the themes of addiction, recovery and hope are further explored. Certificates awarded to individuals on completion of the workshops

The Harmony Program has received praise from a variety of substance misuse organisations


“Through the use of music and film and its up-to-date understanding of addiction, this distinctive drug and alcohol program has allowed our clients to build on their recovery through its powerful use of music therapy.”
- Aislinn Addiction Centre, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny.


“The Harmony Program is a wholly unique approach to drug and alcohol education, self awareness and prevention. Its use of music and film allowed our clients to connect very quickly on a deep emotional level, enabling them to face up to the realities of their substance misuse in a non-confrontational approach.”
- Matt Talbot Addiction Services, Cara Lodge, Co. Cork.


“This programme brings another element to drug information dissemination and decision making skills for people.“
- Health Service Executive of Ireland (HSE), South Tipperary.


“The Harmony Program provides a creative dimension to drug education and prevention, reaching participants on their level and through a medium that they easily identify with.”
- Mid Tipperary Drug Initiative, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.


“The Harmony Programs has really had an impact on changing the behaviour and understanding of drugs for our group following on from the programme.”
- Tipperary Regional Youth Service. A random selection of workshop evaluations showed that 82% said The Harmony Program developed an understanding of the negative effects of substance misuse on their personal life, 80% on the negative effects on relationship and family with 97% saying they would recommend the workshops to someone experiencing substance misuse issues.

Cracking class of TY students 💪😊💪
22/02/2026

Cracking class of TY students
💪😊💪

Friday 13th February was definitely a lucky day with these TY students!Such a great class of learners who worked hard al...
22/02/2026

Friday 13th February was definitely a lucky day with these TY students!

Such a great class of learners who worked hard all day, to understand the complex and difficult subject matter of poor mental health and substance use disorder.

Congratulations on your moving raps and well done for getting up and performing them class 👏 😄

06/02/2026
SCOIL AIREAGAIL Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny take a bow! So great to have been with you all. Thank you for all effort and cre...
06/02/2026

SCOIL AIREAGAIL Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny take a bow! So great to have been with you all.

Thank you for all effort and creative input into your fabulous raps.

Don't forget to use your Drop-Down Menu to Happiness! 😁

Day 4 at Coláiste Éamann Rís in Cork City boi! Some great performances from the class on understanding the psychopatholo...
06/02/2026

Day 4 at Coláiste Éamann Rís in Cork City boi!

Some great performances from the class on understanding the psychopathology (root cause) of .

A real pleasure to be with you all ✊️😁✊️

DAY 3 Coláiste Éamann Rís Cork City boi! Some powerful creative writing on   from this class!Well done everyone on your ...
25/01/2026

DAY 3 Coláiste Éamann Rís Cork City boi! Some powerful creative writing on from this class!

Well done everyone on your efforts. Please, please, please don't forget your "Drop-down Menu to Happiness" i.e. sleep, exercise, connection, music and " stay close to what makes you glad to be alive" ✌️😊✌️

Day 2 with the brilliant TY students of Coláiste Éamann Rís Cork City. DROP DOWN MENU TO HAPPINESS: Please don't forget ...
22/01/2026

Day 2 with the brilliant TY students of Coláiste Éamann Rís Cork City.

DROP DOWN MENU TO HAPPINESS:
Please don't forget to fill in your card "Stay close to anything that makes you glad your alive"
1.
2.
3.
Thank you for such a great day! 😁

What an incredible class of TY students that produced SEVEN   raps & performances 🎤 in Coláiste Éamann Rís in Cork City ...
14/01/2026

What an incredible class of TY students that produced SEVEN raps & performances 🎤 in Coláiste Éamann Rís in Cork City 👏👏👏

Take a bow everyone. You were amazing 🏆✨️

Thank you all for such a great day of collaborative learning 😄

The first school of 2026 and we couldn't have picked a nicer school to kick off the new year. Well done to the fabulous ...
08/01/2026

The first school of 2026 and we couldn't have picked a nicer school to kick off the new year.

Well done to the fabulous TY class of Our Lady of Mercy Waterford City. You gave an outstanding contribution to understanding the the complexity of .

You showed this in your moving lyrics of your raps and performance!!! 💪😄💪

Don't loose you badge or mental health cards. Enjoy the rest of TY class!

St Mary's Mallow please take a bow on delivering such a stunning day of open learning and participation. Each and every ...
05/12/2025

St Mary's Mallow please take a bow on delivering such a stunning day of open learning and participation.

Each and every one of you from last Friday's workshop (28th) were so involved in creating your written raps on .

Wishing you all the best Christmas ever! Hope the rest of your TY year is a blast 😆.

Last Wednesday 19th with another outstanding TY class from St. Mary's Mallow, Co. Cork.My sincere apologies for the dela...
26/11/2025

Last Wednesday 19th with another outstanding TY class from St. Mary's Mallow, Co. Cork.

My sincere apologies for the delay class. We've been knocked out badly with the flu 🤧 😫.

6 excellent raps from the day. Fantastic rap performances on the day too!

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Understanding mental health & substance misuse through hip hop music

Shortlisted for The Social Entrepreneur of Ireland Awards 2013 and endorsed by the HSE, The Harmony Program Workshops are an innovative approach to drug and alcohol education & prevention. Utilising evidence-based music therapy for addiction and grounded in the biopsychosocial (biological, psychological, social factors) and epidemiological (patterns, causes, effects) treatment models for addiction, The Harmony Program educates, increases self-awareness and builds preventative strategies for those involved in or vulnerable to alcohol and substance misuse. Using popular music, video and cinematic film (e.g. Amy Winehouse, Eminem, U2, Ed Sheeran, Leonardo DiCaprio) participants discover, explore and express thoughts, feelings and actions that may underlay their substance misuse. These workshops develop an understanding of the chronic disorder of addiction and its destructive and fatal repercussions. The programme build’s on self-efficacy, recovery and coping skills leading to improved relationships for individuals, family, friends and life. The six ninety minute workshops include Pop Music Video (Education) Popular music and video with themes of alcohol and substance misuse are explored and discussed through the emotional connection of music, lyrical analysis and song with structured and interaction learning. Vulnerability, help and supports are also examined through music. DJing (New Coping Skills) Participants are guided in compiling their own personal DJ set lists of music to effect disposition change when dealing with challenging emotions. Selections of music are played and analysed by participants. Sport is also explored as a coping skill for substance use triggers such as anger, aggression, frustration etc. Song writing, Rap, Poetry (Self-Awareness & Expression) Participants are assisted in creating their own awareness and self-expression on the effects of alcohol and/or substance misuse through the writing of rap, poetry or song. These are preformed and discussed within the group. Movie (Insight) In popular cinematic film participants connect with real life experiences of substance misuse in its authentic world. Encouraging honest, open and direct talk, the themes of addiction, recovery and hope are further explored. Certificates awarded to individuals on completion of the workshops The Harmony Program has received praise from a variety of substance misuse organisations “Through the use of music and film and its up-to-date understanding of addiction, this distinctive drug and alcohol program has allowed our clients to build on their recovery through its powerful use of music therapy.” - Aislinn Addiction Centre, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. “The Harmony Program is a wholly unique approach to drug and alcohol education, self awareness and prevention. Its use of music and film allowed our clients to connect very quickly on a deep emotional level, enabling them to face up to the realities of their substance misuse in a non-confrontational approach.” - Matt Talbot Addiction Services, Cara Lodge, Co. Cork. “This programme brings another element to drug information dissemination and decision making skills for people.“ - Health Service Executive of Ireland (HSE), South Tipperary. “The Harmony Program provides a creative dimension to drug education and prevention, reaching participants on their level and through a medium that they easily identify with.” - Mid Tipperary Drug Initiative, Cashel, Co. Tipperary. “The Harmony Programs has really had an impact on changing the behaviour and understanding of drugs for our group following on from the programme.” - Tipperary Regional Youth Service. A random selection of workshop evaluations showed that 82% said The Harmony Program developed an understanding of the negative effects of substance misuse on their personal life, 80% on the negative effects on relationship and family with 97% saying they would recommend the workshops to someone experiencing substance misuse issues.