Perth, AU
Creator | Writer | Author | Executive Producer
Brian S. Montgomery is the creator of THE PLAY© — a youth-led musical and mental health wellbeing programme designed to support young people through early intervention, creativity, structure, and belonging.
Raised in South London, Brian’s early life was shaped by instability, family breakdown, and periods of homelessness as a young person. Like many young people growing up in survival mode, he was exposed to environments where violence, gangs, and fear became normalised. During those years, his undiagnosed dyslexia and mental health struggles, alongside addiction, led to setbacks that could have easily defined his future.
But they didn't.
Instead, those experiences became the foundation for a lifelong commitment to changing the lives of others. Writing became the turning point, allowing Brian to make sense of his journey and turn pain into a tool for redemption. His first self-published book, Degsy Hay: A Juvenile Redeemed, reflects the reality of growing up in the system and the long road back from trauma and exclusion.
Over the past 30 years, Brian has built a respected professional career supported by strong qualifications, including a Master’s degree, a Graduate Diploma in Health and Safety (Edith Cowan University), a Graduate Certificate in Community Services, and diplomas in Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD).
He is also a qualified Trainer and Assessor and holds Mental Health First Aid certification. Alongside his professional work, Brian founded The Hay Patrollers© — a youth crime-prevention initiative that supported at-risk young people through mentoring, accountability, and positive visibility.
THE PLAY© wasn’t created as a “Project”; it was a response. Inspired by his son’s experience with bullying, Brian recognized that young people often suffer quietly under school pressure and social exclusion. He began writing THE PLAY© to tackle real issues: cyberbullying, gang pressure, knife carrying, antisocial behaviour, and identity.
THE PLAY© is more than a performance—it is an immersive experience where young people rehearse, learn discipline, and build teamwork. It creates space for change, even for those who have caused harm, allowing them to rebuild their identity and earn trust through contribution.
To sustain this mission, Brian is using his creative works to fund future productions for youth aged 10-21. His new releases, including the long-awaited THE PLAY novel and his latest book, TY (Amazon , Ingram & Goodreads 2026), turn lived experience into storytelling that challenges violence and highlights redemption.
Today, as an author, speaker, and executive producer, Brian remains committed to using the creative arts to reduce harm, rebuild confidence, and strengthen communities.
"Writing became the tool that turned pain into redemption and redemption into a mission for the next generation."
Brian has built a respected career underpinned by strong academic and professional qualifications. His work is driven by more than compliance it is grounded in a deep understanding that mental health, addiction and life pressures directly impact behaviour.
Brian's work stands apart because it is shaped by lived experience. He understands what it means to:
Brian S. Montgomery didn’t just overcome adversity, he turned it into a mission. As the founder of The Hay Patrollers© and the creator of THE PLAY©, Brian has transformed lived experience into real-world impact by tackling youth violence, mental health, addiction, and social disconnection head-on. This is more than a programme. It’s a movement. At the core of THE PLAY© are 18 original songs, written by Brian, each carrying powerful messages drawn from real life. Songs like Redemption©, The Play Saved Me©, Laura’s Song© and many more give a voice to those who feel unheard. These songs turn pain, struggle and truth into something raw, emotional and unforgettable. These songs don’t just tell stories but they start conversations, they challenge mindsets, and they inspire change. All tracks are available to purchase, directly supporting future productions, workshops, and opportunities for young people to step away from negative paths and into something positive. Today, Brian is an author, consultant, speaker and creator. He is not just speaking about change, but actively delivering it where it’s needed most. Turning pain into purpose. Giving a voice to the unheard. And creating real change through action.
"If young people are given the right support, structure and opportunity, they can change their future."