David, known as DJ Davy D, has been getting back into doing what he loves most: mixing music and playing the keyboard, with the support of Open Minds.
David, aged 46 and based in Redcliffe, began mixing music when he was just 15 years of age, and has worked as a DJ in Rockhampton, Townsville, Bundaberg, Gladstone and the Gold Coast.
Having been a DJ for over 30 years, David originally learnt the art by recording songs on the radio onto cassettes and experimenting by mixing them together, however he has moved with the times to use a laptop now.
He is also self-taught in playing the keyboard, which he uses to remix music tracks.
David experienced a breakdown about eight years ago after a few relationships collapsed, and was diagnosed with Schizophrenia.
David said: “Sometimes I hear voices in my head, but listening to music really helps to calm me. When I’m mixing on my laptop, it changes my attention to focus on what I’m doing, which really helps me.”
Schizophrenia is a mental illness which can affect people’s thoughts, behaviour and perceptions, and can interfere with their ability to function or relate to others.
Up to one in 100 people will experience Schizophrenia, according to SANE Australia.
David has been with Open Minds for over five years, and now lives in one of the Open Minds Supported Transitional Housing residences in Redcliffe, in partnership with Bric housing.
Teresa Bargo, Tenant Services Officer at Bric Housing said: “This type of transitional housing aims to help people with mental illness to get back on their feet. Bric Housing provides safe, secure and affordable accommodation which gives tenants like David a stable base where they work with Open Minds & Bric to re-acquire the necessary tenancy and day to day living skills that will give them the best possible chance of sustaining a longer term tenancy outside of the supported model once their time in supported housing comes to an end.”
David’s Support Workers at Open Minds have been helping him pursue his passion for being a DJ to enable him to live the life he wants.
This includes helping him to get a gig at Picnic Hill, Redcliffe Youth Space, and to get a spot on the local community radio.
The team also help him with daily living tasks such as: medication reminders, cooking, cleaning, and successfully applying for an NDIS funding package.
David said: “Open Minds have helped me gain more independence. Open Minds provide me with affordable housing which allows me to save money to get ahead.”
David’s next set of goals are to move back to the Gold Coast, get a car, new equipment, and start performing live.
Open Minds provides the following services to clients like David: