Locals with free time called on to help PCYC

Manning the barbeque. Teaching a young person to drive. Or refereeing a game of basketball.

Volunteering at the Inala PCYC doesn’t take up too much time, but it can make a big impact on the dozens of local young people who go there every week.

“The really are unlimited volunteering opportunities [at Inala],” PCYC state operations manager Alexander Weber said.

“We have good numbers of volunteers – we’re obviously always looking for more.”

While some programs, such as the Braking the Cycle learning to drive program, requires more active involvement from its volunteers, Mr Weber said there were a range of needs at the local PCYC.

“If somebody doesn’t feel comfortable getting into the front seat of a car with a young person, which I can completely relate to, there is the option of coming in and cooking the barbecue for the After Dark program,” he said.

“Just having a volunteer who might be interested in cooking a barbecue, helping make some sandwiches, or even just being a basketball drop-in – they could come in and help teach the kids basketball in partnership with the police officer.”

Food, in particular, plays a crucial role in the programs the Inala team runs for at-risk youth.

“Some of our young people may not always have access to a proper meal. So we like to make sure some kind of food element is involved,” he said.

The PCYC’s After Dark program is run after school and aimed at teens aged 12-17.

It mainly consists of students socialising and having fun. Mr Weber classed it as a “diversionary program”.

“The intention is that kids who may not be doing anything productive or don’t have a safe place to go, or even for kids that are just feeling bored and don’t have a way to engage with their peers, have a whole range of engagement.”

Programs like this are growing more popular by the week, with anywhere up to almost 100 young people turning up to some sessions.

“Unfortunately, our basketball court doesn’t quite fit everybody as well as we’d like for a proper game, but it’s exciting to see so many young people from the local community come out and feel safe,” Mr Weber said.

The PCYC also hosts events geared towards younger children and families, such as the recent colour run they hosted, as well as before and after school cares.

Regardless of the event, it seems the club is always busy.

“A few extra hands does not go astray,” Mr Weber said.