Maanasi - 16 years (Afterschool Activities)
My journey with SCYS started when my mum told me about the service and strongly encouraged me to go. I came to the service during the school holidays for the first time when I was bored, and my mum kept telling me to check out the space, so I decided to give it a try. Now I come to the after-school activities too.
From the moment I stepped in, I found a place where I could have fun and do something that didn’t make me bored. I get to try a lot of new things and do activities with other people, which is something I don’t usually get to do. It’s also a great break from schoolwork. Now, I come to SCYS every day after 2:30 pm.
I take part in a lot of games like Skip BO, UNO, and Big Night Out. I also love cooking and participating in the music program, where I get to record my singing. I want to be a professional singer-songwriter when I grow up, which is why the music program is so special to me.
Since joining SCYS, I’ve made so many new friends. I have also learned new skills like cooking and how to problem-solve more effectively in day-to-day situations—especially when dealing with people who are not very pleasant to be around.
Every time I come to SCYS, I feel fantastic! It’s a space where I can interact with people I wouldn’t normally meet. It gives me a chance to socialise and be out of the house, which is something I don’t often do. The staff and other young people have been incredibly supportive, and I’ve been able to connect with a diverse group of people.
SCYS has helped me feel more connected, giving me opportunities to meet new people and receive support with schoolwork and my personal life. It’s a place where so many different people come together and interact, and that sense of community is really important to me.
One of my favourite things about SCYS is the unique experiences I get to have, like going to Adventure World and making chocolate slime. These are things I wouldn’t have done if I hadn’t come to SCYS.
I would definitely recommend SCYS to other young people. I get to have friends come through, and I know a lot of people who could use the help and support SCYS offers. Plus, I just love spending my downtime here.
If someone is thinking about coming to SCYS for the first time, I would tell them: Come to SCYS—there is so much to do and so much to see!
Ben - 23 Years (Music Studio)
I first heard about the SCYS Music Studio through my support coordinator. At the time, I was already making music, but I wanted to take it to the next level. Before, I was just recording on my phone, and it didn’t sound as good as I wanted it to. So, I came into the studio to check it out, and I liked it. I thought, why not keep doing this?
One of the best things about coming to the Music Studio is that we get to create whatever we want. We can work on projects, record our music, and even release it straight away. The space is ours to be creative, and we get to bring our ideas to life in a real studio setting.
I come in whenever I can, pretty much twice a week. Since I started using the studio, I’ve learned new skills and gained a lot of confidence. At first, I was a little shy about rapping, but coming here has changed that. I’ve gained respect from some of my peers, and that made me feel like I belong here.
When I’m in the studio, I feel confident and passionate about my music. It makes me happy knowing I can create and release music with my boys. The support I’ve had from the people here has made a huge difference. Some of the boys tell me to keep doing my thing, and I’ve built a good relationship with Rush. I really like his production style—he’s straight-up about what he wants us to achieve, and he always reminds us to stay out of trouble. He’s compassionate and funny, and there’s really no one like him.
Being part of the Music Studio has helped me in other areas of my life too. It’s changed the way I think and feel, and even my behavior. When I was younger, I didn’t really care about much, but now I see things differently. I’ve learned that if someone tells me my music isn’t good, maybe I can take their advice and improve. But at the end of the day, I won’t let anyone crush my dreams. Music isn’t just about rapping and writing bars—it’s about what you want to do for the rest of your life. When you rap, you’re painting pictures with your words, so it’s important to make it make sense and get your flow right.
Looking ahead, I’d love to put out some albums and work on some collaborations. Building my reputation in music is something I’m working towards.
I’d definitely recommend the Music Studio to other young people—100 percent. Even if you don’t rap, it’s a good space to focus on something creative and use your brain. If you’re thinking about checking it out, just give it a go. If you like it, keep going. If it’s not for you, that’s cool too. But you’ll never know unless you try.
Ebbony - 18 Years (Education & Drop In)
I first heard about Swan City Youth Service (SCYS) when someone from the education department recommended the TAFE program to me. I decided to check it out, and honestly, it’s been one of the best things I’ve done.
I come to SCYS once a week and get involved in heaps of different things—afterschool activities, education support, drop-in, and school holiday programs. When I’m here, I love hanging out, playing pool, and chatting with the youth workers. The best part? The community. It’s such a chill and welcoming place where I feel like I belong. Plus, I’ve made so many new friends here.
SCYS has had a big impact on my life. They’ve had my back during tough times, even taking me to get medical help when I needed it while I was doing the education program. I’ve also picked up new skills through TAFE and just feel way more comfortable in my community. Every time I walk in, I feel happy and excited to be here.
The staff are honestly the best. They’ve helped me heaps—socially, mentally, and with my education. They actually care and are always there when you need them.
If you’re thinking about coming to SCYS but aren’t sure, just do it. There’s so much support, an awesome community, and fun stuff to do. I’ve already recommended it to my friends because it’s just such a great place to be.
The biggest thing I’ve gained from SCYS? A real sense of community. It’s a space where I can be myself, meet great people, and always feel welcome.
Lilli - 18 Years (Education and Drop In)
I first heard about Swan City Youth Service (SCYS) when NM TAFE recommended it to me. I decided to check it out, and I’m really glad I did.
I use a few different services at SCYS, including education, music, and drop-in. I come twice a month, but when I was in the education program, I was here every day. The best part about SCYS? Definitely the staff. They’re always welcoming and supportive, and they make the space feel comfortable and safe.
Since coming to SCYS, I’ve made new friends and connections, which has been really great. It’s helped me feel more comfortable and included. SCYS has also supported me through some important moments in my life. I always feel safe, comfortable, and well looked after when I’m here. The staff have been a huge part of that—they’ve made me feel happy and supported, and they’re always available when I need to talk.
For any young person who might need support but isn’t sure about coming to SCYS, I’d say give them a call. See what services they offer—you never know what might be helpful. I’d definitely recommend SCYS because it’s a safe space where you can be yourself and get the support you need.
One of the biggest things I’ve gained from SCYS is my Certificate II in General Education, which has been a huge step forward for me. On top of that, this place has helped me mature into an adult, and for that, I’m really grateful.
