Upping the tempo at Streetlevel
(Simon believes the music ministry helps builds self-esteem and foster creativity.Photo: Chaordic Creative)
The mood at the Streetlevel music ministry in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley is upbeat after receiving a $200,000 bequest, gifted in memorial to a loved one.
The generous bequest means the self-funded service can buy equipment for musicians, and further develop its centre, including an upgrade of the kitchen equipment used to prepare and serve more than 500 meals a month.
The Streetlevel service is a supportive Christian community to many struggling with mental health issues, poverty, insecure housing or homelessness, social isolation and addiction.
It offers weekly chapel, plus recreational activities, music groups, referrals to other support services, welfare support, financial counselling, budgeting sessions and life skills groups. Members of the community are also actively encouraged to volunteer to help others.
Streetlevel Team Leader Bryce Davies is delighted with the bequest and says: “The music at Brisbane Streetlevel has been a terrific part of our growth and nurture of the people we help.
“Some of the bequest money has been used to buy guitars, sound equipment and a new staging area to create the environment and pathways for the music ministry to flourish.”
Musician and Streetlevel volunteer Simon first joined the service two years ago when staying in nearby Salvation Army Pindari crisis accommodation. Simon was without a home and struggling with drinking and gambling as he had done much of his adult life.
Until he connected with another musician at a camp organised by Streetlevel, Simon hadn’t played the guitar for over 10 years.
He eventually got on top of his addiction, found work and stable accommodation and his confidence increased. He is now an adherent member of the Salvation Army and regularly involved in serving the community though the Salvos.
“I’ve found my role in Streetlevel in the music side of things,” Simon says.
Running the music for the chapel service and weekly ‘jam’ sessions, as well as volunteering in many other ways at the service, Simon explains the importance that music now plays in his life and in the lives of many in the centre.
“When you’re down and you haven’t got much going for you, your self esteem’s low and you’re in depression. Being creative can be a big part of getting out of that.”
Simon says he’d lost hope that another way of life was possible, but now his life has transformed and he’s seen many others changed too.
“It’s amazing!” he says. “In the last two years, I’ve gradually gotten stronger, happier and more sure of myself and more in control… I can’t really describe how good it’s been for me to be free of that addiction.”
Team Leader Bryce says the joy and community connection brought about through the Streetlevel band, music groups and studio recordings help participants build deeper relationships and a sense of achievement.
“Plus there’s just lots of singing and joy and things like that here at Streetlevel and that adds to a healthy life,” he says.
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