It’s widely known that music forms an important part of a young person’s identity and how they relate to the outside world as they look to embark on a better future. That’s why Bendigo’s Real 2 Reel (R2R) program exists, with its ability to end the cycle of disadvantage and create lasting change in young people’s lives.
The program began with an idea in 2003 that a youth-focused music recording studio program could work effectively to help educate young people and provide a creative outlet. Fifteen CD recordings and countless workshops later, R2R, which runs out of Anglicare Victoria’s Bendigo region is still running strong.
R2R program facilitator, Wayne Glenn inspires and supports clients by engrossing them in the cathartic world of music: “Creating their own music can bring a sense of achievement that is unparalleled, and matching this with their own story in their own words, on their own terms is fundamental to how we work,” says Wayne.
Young people are referred to R2R through the Deemed Enrolment program, which provides an alternative education service for young people in out-of-home care or disengaged from mainstream schooling. Many of the program’s projects are funded to work with Aboriginal communities and groups, including strong connections with Njernda in Echuca and the Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-Operative and they have been privileged to work with elders and young people in these communities.
Ultimately, R2R changes lives by fostering the relationship between people and music. “We hope participants experience success through the production of their own music. R2R enables participants to develop skills in the use of computers, sound mixing, song writing and music production to provide opportunity to reflect on their life experiences through music,” says Wayne.
The music provides an important outlet: “The outcomes are great and taking home the CD recording is a great way to finish a session, but the most important element for us is the process: How can we engage young people in a way that is genuine, respectful and challenging for them?”
“The participants talk about the positive impact of having a safe place to go, connect with peers in their own community, gain technical skills and develop their craft using state-of-the-art equipment,” says Wayne.
The studio’s doors always remain open for R2R’s participants and thirteen years on, a number of the program’s former participants continue to use the studio and are now mentors and role models for the younger participants.
