The Anglicare Victoria Youth Garage has been running for over 10 years and it is a local youth centre for workers to engage with young people in a comfortable setting.
The simple two car garage in Werribee may look unassuming from the outside, but every Wednesday the garage transforms into a safe space where the local youth community can find connection and share experiences.
Once a week during the school term, the garage opens itself to young people, where they can share stories, thoughts, ideas and perspectives; a welcome pit stop for those who have experienced a feeling of disengagement in their neighbourhood or wider community.
Matthew became involved in the program in 2012, when he used to attend the drop-in program after school. He eventually started volunteering there almost two years ago.
“Anglicare really helped me out with gaining different certificates as part of its ‘Life Skills’ program, I got my Food Handling Certificate, First Aid Certificate, and Barista Certificate. I also learnt how to screen print T-shirts, and actually made up some shirts for the youth garage program,” Matthew recalls with pride.
Matthew says he loves volunteering at the garage and is very grateful to everyone who supports Anglicare Victoria and the program. “It makes me happy to see that we are able to provide a vital service to the young people in the community, either by giving them something to eat or drink, or providing them with a space where they can have fun without getting into trouble. I love being able to teach skills to other young people.”
Matthew plans to go into Year 12 VCAL and continue studying Youth Work. He currently volunteers for Youth Services at Wyndham City Council alongside his volunteer work with Anglicare Victoria.
To help other young people like Matthew reach their full potential, please visit https://giving.anglicarevic.org.au/
