This year, Inspire Youth & Family Services (IYS) will fulfill its long-held dream of an in-house music studio.
Senior Case Manager Stephanie Schirmer has worked at IYS, a youth social services organisation based in Inala, for almost eight years and said the organisation had campaigned hard for this funding.
“The idea of having our own music studio was like a blue sky, dreaming kind of idea,” she said.
“It was like, ‘imagine if we had our own music studio for young people’.”
In the past, IYS has hired studio spaces from music producers for young people using the organisation’s services to have a space to make or play music, even if it was only temporary.
The benefits were obvious, Ms Schirmer said.
“Young people love it. They just thrive off it, especially the ones who are creatively inclined.
“It is a tool and opportunity for young people to express themselves, to get their feelings out creatively through songwriting.”
Receiving the grant, which totals $31,152 from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, has been a dream come true for the team.
“To have received this grant, to finally see that dream or idea come to life in our own space, is going to significantly impact IYS.
“We’ve had that music studio in mind for as long as I can remember.”
Making and listening to music are tools used by IYS to engage young people in their programs.
The process acts as an early diversion strategy for young people in touch with the justice system.
Music also provides therapeutic relief for young people focused on overcoming the challenges and disadvantages they have faced, Ms Schirmer said.
The recording studio will be built in a space the IYS calls ‘The Hut’, a youth outreach centre.
“We open it up in the afternoons for anyone under 25 to drop in and hang out with some youth workers, eat food, play on the PlayStation,” Ms Schirmer said.
IYS delivers a range of youth services and programs for people under the age of 25, facing challenges in the court or justice systems, and homelessness.
Staff work to re-engage young people in education pathways, their communities, and families.
Construction for the recording studio will begin as soon as the money is received. A builder to complete the job has already been lined up.
Ms Schirmer hopes the building process will begin next month and be completed within three months.
“We want it to be a space that the community can feel like they can use and access,” she said.
“The space is available and will become even more accessible for young people to come in and access our services.”
