In April 2022, I was invited by Streetlight to run an aerosol workshop for teens at Elizabeth Skatepark. If you've never heard of Streetlight, these volunteers are having an amazing impact on teens in Adelaide’s North. I was able to see first hand how kind and generous they are. They give of their time to build relationships with teenagers in the area, offering food, conversation and help when needed.
They're patient, kind and helping in an area of great need. Teenagers who have difficult life situations, unstable homes and limited financial support know they can trust and reach out to the Streetlight team. I saw the team as they chatted to the young people with no judgement and an abundance of kindness. They really are making a difference and creating a safer place.
Each Tuesday, the Streetlight team collaborates with young people at Elizabeth Skatepark to deliver physical activity programs, promoting social inclusion and positive physical and mental wellbeing often over a BBQ, scooter repairs, competitions, and activities. To give young people the opportunity to participate in my workshop they were able to secure their spot by earning 200 points through community service involvement. The youth were rewarded by getting to paint their own skateboard.
“I want to celebrate the achievements of each young person who put in the effort to earn their points through community service – including those who unfortunately couldn’t join us on the day due to complex challenges. These young people chose to clean up the skate park rather than vandalise it, use words of encouragement rather than harm and build stronger trust-based relationships with one another and the volunteers- at times ignoring insults from fellow peers telling them to quit.”
One 16 year old wrote a card filled with gratitude for the opportunity to get involved. She had wanted a skateboard for a very long time and was excited to get to make her own whilst in great company. A 12 year old proudly shared how she had made the skateboard for her brother who she no longer lives with.
It’s great to see how the broader community supports Streetlight, including JT Surf owner, Tyson Zorich, who donated prizes. The store manager, Jason from the Elizabeth City Centre Store, attached grip tape and taught the young people how to assemble bearings and wheels onto their boards.
The teenagers favourite aspects of Streetlight are the free food, making new friends and quality conversations with the leaders. Walking away with their very own skateboards and a sense of accomplishment in earning it themselves was simply another reason to get on board. If you want to find out more about Streetlight and the great opportunities for young people around Playford and Onkaparinga find them on instagram.