Heaps Decent commenced our Youth Justice program, now known as Big Up, in 2010. Starting off at Youth Justice Centres in Wagga Wagga and Lidcombe, the highly successful program continues to work at centres Reiby Youth Justice in Campbelltown, Cobham Youth Justice in St Mary’s, Bimberi Youth Justice in the ACT, and Riverina Youth Justice in Wagga Wagga.
The Big Up program focuses on music creation and appreciation skills, building confidence and self-expression. It aims to help at-risk young people to find alternative ways to engage with education and become engaged members of the community. The project takes place at schools and programs within Youth Justice Centres and schools for young people with behavioural challenges right across NSW.
The weekly workshop program aims to inspire at-risk young people and addresses a clear need for opportunities for positive engagement for these young people in NSW. Song writing, recording and music production are central to the program. There has been a marked increase in the young people’s engagement in learning and confidence over the course of project delivery. A number of young people continue to create with Heaps Decent post release.
This mural was created with girls in Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre.