Trails program helping keep Harry on track for success

When Harry Hill takes to the bike trails in Adelaide’s foothills, he feels at peace.

At just 19 years old, Harry has faced more challenges in life than most people his age. Becoming a father at the tender age of 15 forced him to grow up quickly, and on top of that, he grappled with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and fell in with the wrong crowd during high school.

However, Harry discovered a newfound solace and a way to navigate his teenage parenthood and mental health struggles through his involvement with Mas National’s TRAILS team, “I was really struggling with school.  I decided to move to Flexible Learning Options (FLO) but I was still facing significant challenges there,” he said.

Recognising Harry’s affinity for motorbikes, BMX cars, and motors, his FLO  case manager suggested he try out the Mas TRAILS program, “Since I’ve been around motorbikes, BMX cars, and motors my whole life, my case manager thought it would be good for me to get back on the bike, build jumps, and be part of a team,” Harry said.

TRAILS, a program facilitated by Mas National*, specifically caters to young individuals aged 16 to 24 who are at risk of entering the youth justice system in Adelaide. The program is run by Lighthouse Youth Projects (LYP), which comprises former and current professional BMX bike riders and youth mentors. Together, they guide participants on a transformative journey of personal growth.

For two days a week, mentors challenge negative behaviours and collaborate with participants to develop essential life skills and enhance employability through hands-on lessons, mentoring, training, and work exposure. The program ultimately aims to provide employment and training opportunities upon completion.

In the program, Harry learnt a range of both life and career skills from building bike trails, maintaining bikes and caring for parklands before setting off hit the jumps and learn tricks as a reward.

However, the program had a deeper impact on Harry’s life, “TRAILS was so much more than just bike riding. It has helped me keep out of trouble. Due to parenting difficulties, I found myself with the wrong crowd doing a lot o bad things. TRAILS gave me something to look forward to, and the team had zero tolerance for any negative behaviour, which pushed me in the right direction,” he said.

The latest findings from the Bureau of Statistics reveal that Australians aged 16 to 24 experienced the highest proportion of mental disorders lasting at least 12 months between 2020 and 2022. Recognising this alarming statistic, Mas First Nations Engagement Advisor Peter Tucker said that the TRAILS Program goes beyond bikes and trails; it empowers these young individuals to overcome adversity and reclaim their lives.

“Through the Trails Program, we have witnessed a profound transformation in at-risk kids that extends far beyond the physical act of building trails and maintaining bikes. It is a journey that not only shapes their outdoor skills but also nurtures their mental well-being. The therapeutic power of nature, combined with the camaraderie and support of their peers, fosters a positive mindset, boosts self-esteem, and instils a newfound belief in their own potential,” Peter said.

Harry is now working full time as a domestic scheduler for Thomas Foods in Lobethal exporting mutton and lamb so he can support his young family, “While I got this job on my own accord, the TRAILS program did help me as it showed my employers I could keep consistent at something. Thomas Foods decided to give me a chance,” he said.

Without the program, Harry believes he would still be struggling with his mental health, “I was really struggling with my own problems being a new father without support but through the TRAILS program, I really connected to the boys on a real personal level as they all came from different backgrounds and had so much insight into fatherhood themselves. They have helped me with everything in my life.”

“I’d say to anyone to give it a go and there is no harm in trying. As I said, like, the boys are very forthcoming and helpful in any and every way. If one of the boys doesn’t know, they know someone who does.”

*Mas National is part of the IntoWork Group.