Building the Independence of High School Students

Following a collaborative co-design phase with young people and their support networks last year, a fun and creative music-based program called The Indie Project launched at Loganlea and Gold Coast with the aim of building self-confidence and peer connections.

Delivered by community service organisation Social Futures, The Indie Project aims to build the independence of high school students who are living with neurodivergence, chronic illness, disability, or just needing some extra support with their wellbeing and connection to others.

Team Leader of The Indie Project, Dom Shelley, said the main theme to emerge from the co-design phase was that young people wanted something different and creative.

“The feedback from young people was clear, they wanted something creative and innovative, that felt different from school.”

“In response to that, we developed a music exercise that incorporates other creative activities throughout the program,” said Mr Shelley who has been a drummer in the Australian music scene for 35 years.

At Loganlea State High School, the first to trial The Indie Project, students wrote their own song and recorded vocals and percussion instruments, with some saying “wow, this is like being in a proper studio.”

Mr Shelley said, “This isn't just about writing a song, it's about telling your truth, being heard, and connecting with peers.”

Nick, aged 16, said “doing stuff together made us a better team, and it helped us learn that not everybody has to show their true self when they don’t need to – that they can do it at their own pace."

When asked if he would recommend other young people do the program, Nick enthused “Yes! It will help them express themselves in their own unique way.”

Currently delivering the program at Elanora State High School, Mr Shelley said, “Benefits for young people include increased resilience and coping, improved ability to develop their own independence, and a greater awareness of their own personal journeys as we have conversations around emotions and relationships.”

The Indie Project is free and initially available to high schools in the Gold Coast region through a combination of small group and individual peer-led activities.

Jay, one of The Indie Project’s peer-mentors, said “As someone with lived experience in Autism, I have lived most of my life overwhelmed and overstimulated by the world around me."

“The Indie Project is a unique opportunity to give young people a chance to connect and bond with mentors who can guide and prepare them for real life, with full understanding of how they might be feeling and without judgment."

Social Futures, Senior Manager Capacity Building and Engagement, Lynda Hope, said young people and their supporters have played a huge role in designing the program.

“From the beginning, we’ve made sure the voices of people with lived and living experience of disability and neurodivergence have shaped how the program looks and feels.

“Their insights have been vital in making sure the program truly meets their needs and empowers them to build independence on their own terms.

see: www.socialfutures.org.au/the-indie-project