Anthony Jobe uses music to help people with disabilities find their voice.
With Debra Digby and Myf Powell, he runs an all abilities music program, A Little Ray of Sunshine, every Friday from 10am until noon at the Salvation Army Sunshine Corps on Devonshire Road.
“Music is a universal thing … especially people with disabilities, they find music very calming,” Anthony says.
There are about 15 participants, people aged from their early 20s through to their mid 40s with different disabilities, including acquired brain injuries, intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses.
“We’re always happy to accept new participants,” Anthony says. “I want people just to make new friends and feel really great about themselves, because depression is a big thing with people with disabilities and we want to sort of combat that.”
Participants pay $5 to cover all songbooks, musical instruments, food, tea and coffee. Most come from Mambourin and Scope disability services at Brimbank. Support workers say the program is the highlight of their week.
The program is already halfway through its 16-week run and organisers would like it to continue on but there’s not enough Brimbank council funds to run any longer.
“Unfortunately, when funding ends, the program will cease,” Anthony says.
The group is planning to host a graduation dinner and performance in September.
Ashley Alasagas
