Greg Gardner- Youth Mentor:

Greg has worked in a broad range of disciplines within the human services profession. He was a vocational/fitness & recreation officer in a Juvenile Justice Centre; he has coordinated programs/casework within Clients Services and Managed a residential setting for homeless youth; as well, he has worked as a JPET project officer. He holds a diploma community services/youth work and majored in human services at university. Greg studied child psychology, anatomy and physiology, human movement and P.E. teaching at ACPE. As a qualified upholsterer, he was a successful business owner. Greg has incorporated all his skills and experience into youth mentor programs that he has developed.

Youth Mentoring Programs

There are five programs to choose from, based just a few kilometres south of Ballina, NSW:

• Cycling - Followed by a riverside sausage sizzle.
• Kayaking, yabby pumping (dependant on tide), fishing.
• A walk on the beach, which includes conquering some mild sand dunes, followed by a swim or another beach sport, such as volleyball, soccer, touch football or cricket.
• Fishing.
• Fitness Instructing: personalized and group. As well as providing new skills and a cardio-vascular workout, this program compliments casework, because it involves negotiating an individual program to meet the clients needs. The young person is mentored in the skills required; and it involves setting realistic and achievable goals.

All programs are evaluated to ensure continued improvement.

Greg is a Fitness Leader who has designed, implemented and conducted fitness, recreational and vocational programs within a Juvenile Detention Centre and a Residential Setting for homeless youth. He is an experienced personal trainer and has developed individual/group fitness programs for young people and adults. Greg utilises these skills and experiences in his Mentoring programs.

Physical Activity. 
There are many benefits to regular physical exercise for the mind and body. Physical activity can be especially beneficial to young people with low self-esteem. Young people with low self-esteem can engage in harmful behaviours including- self harm, drug/alcohol abuse and eating disorders. People with self-confidence are more likely to be out going and have a positive attitude. These people are more likely to take on challenges and less likely to feel failure (benefits of physical exercise [online] www.faq.org/health/healthy living (accessed oct 6, 2006). 

Natural high can reduce the urge for a substance high. 

Regular physical activity aids in the body releasing endorphins. When endorphins are released a person may experience a feeling of euphoria- a natural high, which can reduce an urge for a substance high. (benefits of physical exercise [online] www.faq.org/health/healthy living (accessed oct 6, 2006). 

Testimonials

"I worked cooperatively with Greg Gardner over a three year period. During this time I witnessed him mentor staff and young people. He conducted mentoring programs for young people with challenging behaviours from diverse cultures. I especially took note of how he could develop a rapport with indigenous clients. Greg achieved positive outcomes for young people and has a sound knowledge of issues confronting indigenous youth in our community. "

Janice Bowen, Aboriginal Youth Support Worker.

"Fishing was sick. I caught a school jewfish and some bream."

Justin, 14years old.

"Greg made a fitness program for me. I was skinny and now I have some muscles. Once I learnt the exercises I was able to do it at home."

David 17years old.

"Pumping yabbies was fun, but you have to watch their nippers."

Kim 14years.

"Greg taught us how to shop, cook and prepare cheap and healthy meals. He showed me how to chop an onion without crying."

 Carmen and Jas. 17&18 years.

Other Programs (by appointment):

• Life skills
• Vocational
• Writing

Please download and complete the Medical and Referral forms here