A love of teenagers and a belief that everyone deserves a chance at independence is what drives Braking The Cycle mentor Miriam Houweling in her volunteer role.
For 18 months, she has volunteered as a driver mentor with PCYC’s Braking The Cycle, one of a statewide team of volunteers helping young learner drivers build up their 100 driving hours.
Braking The Cycle allows young learner drivers to build up their 100 driving hours with volunteer mentors like Miriam. The program is designed to assist young people who don’t have access to a car or an adult at home who can supervise their driving.
Miriam said she has always enjoyed volunteering, and was seeking new opportunities when she moved from Ipswich to Mackay. She joined the Older Women’s Network , and learned about Braking The Cycle at PCYC Mackay.
She knew this was a role where she could make a difference and feel connected to the young people she was helping.
“I love spending time with teenagers, they all have their funny quirks. If I show them respect, then they show me respect,” Miriam said.
“They all deserve a chance in life,” she said.
Miriam recommends volunteering to anyone who has time to give, and she encourages Mackay locals to come in to PCYC and find out more. PCYC provides full training and support to help mentors guide participants in becoming safe and confident drivers.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said Braking the Cycle provides young people with the freedom and independence to help them connect with their community.
“We have more than 700 BTC volunteers across the state who provide their time, skills and experience to help young people who may not be able to access or afford driving lessons the chance to gain their driving skills – and become safe drivers for the future,” Phil said.
“Having a licence doesn’t just give them the key to drive, it gives them the key to finding and maintaining employment, pursue study opportunities or the ability to support their families and the wider community.”
