IT TAKES GRIT TO GET HERE
MMAD SHOWS YOUNG STARS WHAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF 

Date: 28 July 2021 

"I wish I found MMAD before I went down the path I did. It was my choice to choose that life but thanks to MMAD and their support I know there are better things for me" - MMAD STAR

Sony Foundation funds the ‘Catch A Falling STAR (Special, Traumatised & At Risk)’ program in partnership with Musicians Making A Difference (‘MMAD’), welcoming 10 young people to the scholarship program as part of 2021, Intake 1. For six months these young people undertake holistic, personal and creative development, and are supported with weekly group, individual, and crisis, support from MMAD Mentors, school holiday camp experiences and once-in-a-lifetime inspiration and industry sessions with Sony Masters (employee volunteers from Sony Foundation’s Corporate Partner Network).

Watch the video below of the inspiring journey of one such STAR.

A highlight from the STAR Program, included the Sony Master Sessions hosted by Sony Foundation volunteers, which explored topics around how to present yourself on social media and in person, steps to success in the music industry, understanding the signing process and royalties; with all the STARs heads-down in notebooks, passionately capturing wisdom from the Sony Masters.

One moment that brought together the STARs and Sony Masters was when they collectively worked on developing personal mantras. The process involved taking one word to define who you want to be and putting that into a mini sentence.

‘My mantra is, ‘I am confidence’ - MMAD STAR

‘I suffer from anxiety so I try to be in the moment and not worry about the extra stuff right now. So my mantra is – be here now’ - SONY Master

The impact of the Catch A Falling STAR program is ever-inspiring. This intake, STARs have turned their lives right-side-up and learnt how to shine so that they can live their potential for a happy, healthy life.

Before MMAD, Megan* was lacking confidence, experiencing flashbacks from past trauma, suffering anxiety and disadvantaged with her mother experiencing financial hardship. Although enthusiastic, Megan was unable to engage with support or opportunities as her mental health challenges and financial position were barriers to her reaching her potential. During the program, Megan felt safe to disclose experiences that have negatively impacted her health, wellbeing and happiness. We were able to connect Megan with sexual and mental health support, family support, creative development opportunities, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to reward her for her personal growth including seeing The Veronicas live in concert! 

Since graduating, she has reported an improvement in managing school responsibilities, mental health challenges, triggers and creative development. She continues to write songs from home as a form of expressive therapy with the guitar gifted to her by MMAD and Sony Foundation Australia. Megan's self-esteem, compared to where it was at the beginning of the program, is through the roof and rising! 

*Name has been changed for privacy reasons 

Congratulations to all the 2021 graduates of the MMAD STAR program, we’re so proud of you!

Click here to learn more about SONY FOUNDATION’S CATCH A FALLING STAR PROGRAM

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