Volunteer Information

Listed below is a range of different problems the youth of Melton and surrounding areas may be faced with. As a team, Melton Street Surfers Inc aims to provide possible opportunities and solutions in some of the following ways:

Boredom

Somewhere to go that’s free of charge.
Somewhere to entertain them.
Meeting place.
Keeping them out of trouble.
Motivational ideas.
Role models.

Lack of affordable resources

Somewhere to go that’s free of charge.
Somewhere to entertain them.
Meeting place.
Peer support.

Lack of information.

Provide leaflets.
Free information and products.
Crisis counseling.
Develop rapport.
Peer support
Role models.

Education/employment

Meeting place.
Free of charge
Keeping them out of trouble
Leaflets.
Motivational ideas.
Career/school advice.
Counseling/support.
Peer support
Role models
Develop rapport.
Goal setting.
Self-development.
Job placements.

Being stranded.

Safe place.
Crisis counseling.
Emergency contact with family (mobile phone on bus).
Develop a rapport

Poor health (physical & mental)

Crisis counseling.
Safe place.
Referral to agencies.
Source of information.
Peer support.
Role models.
Develop a rapport

Assault/bullying

Safe place with supervision/support.
Crisis counseling.
Referral to agencies.
Strategies for dealing with problem.
Role models.
Peer support.
Develop rapport.

Substance abuse (tobacco, alcohol, and drugs).

Safe place with supervision support.
Tobacco, alcohol & drug free.
Crisis counseling.
Referral to agencies.
Peer support.
Role model.
Develop rapport.

Abuse.

Crisis counseling.
Referral to agencies.
Safe place.
Peer support.
Role models.
Develop rapport / build relationships.

Homelessness

Crisis counseling.
Referral to agencies.
Safe place.
Peer support.
Role models.
Develop rapport.

Lack of adequate food clothes.

Safe environment with support.
Referral to agencies.
Crisis counseling.
Provide drink/snack.
Peer support.
Develop rapport.

Risks

As with any organization, there are always risks involved. Please take note of the possible risks you may face as a team and be aware of the various harm minimization techniques.

Assault

Never work alone.
Male should always be present.
Aggression management courses.

Needle stick injury.

Ensure the youth know that it is a drug and alcohol free area.
Proper handling and disposal of any needles found/confiscated. Sharps container located on bus.

Rewards

Rewards are what makes or job worthwhile at the end of the day. As a team we aim to enhance the lives of the youth within our community. Although the rewards may be endless, here are just a few:

Involving youth in a positive manner.
Reduction in crime.
Reduction in substance abuse.
Increase in the health of the youth.
Increase of support and networking avenues.
A constructive meeting place (avoiding loitering).