‘Local hero’ Jake is mindful of helping kids

JAKE Janson considers it a privilege to wake up each day and do his job as a program co-ordinator with Ocean Mind.

In fact, the Torquay youth worker pinches himself that his work combines two of his passions – working with kids who need a helping hand and spending time in nature.

Jake’s contribution to the not-for-profit surf therapy organisation has earned him a spot as a finalist in the Westfield Local Heroes program.

The 27-year-old is the youngest among six finalists in the Geelong category which is voted on by the public.

The top three vote getters will each receive $10,000 for their affiliated organisation.

Jake is honoured by the recognition but insists Ocean Mind is the true hero.

He fell in love with the program in 2017 after volunteering as a mentor and took up a permanent role about 18 months ago.

“Every single time I get down to the beach, just being around the kids and knowing that you are having an impact is really rewarding,” he said.

“We work with some really vulnerable young people from all walks of life and backgrounds, their day-to-day lives can be very difficult sometimes.

“To know that they get to come out to the beach for two hours and you are part of their safe space makes you smile every time.”

Jake was working in construction but says a family tragedy about seven years ago stirred something inside him.

“I’m very close to my sister and unfortunately her first-born, my niece, died of some complications at birth,” he explained.

“That was like a light bulb moment in my life because I hadn’t experienced any real trauma so I hadn’t realised how precious life really is.

“To see someone taken away who didn’t have much of a chance sparked something in me that I wanted to give back to help other people in this world.”

Jake said promoting good mental health for our youth has never been more important.

There are about 90 kids aged eight to 18 on a waiting list to do the program which involves six weeks of one-on-one mentoring followed by access to a Sunday surf club.

A new cohort was due to start when COVID-19 hit.

“It was heartbreaking because these kids were over the moon about doing the program and they have been sitting twiddling their thumbs,” he said.

“We work with a lot of kids on the autism spectrum and it’s really hard sometimes for them to understand what’s going on.

“They just know being in the ocean is good for them.”

Jake is in good company with fellow finalists Collin Peebles from Geelong Food Relief Centre, photographer Debi McKinnis from Heartfelt, Marsha Uppill from Arranyinha Pty Ltd, Peter Wheeler from Uniting Barwon and Reno Demicoli from EdConnect Australia.

If Jake finishes in the top three, Ocean Mind will use its grant to run additional programs, buy equipment and provide transport to the young people who need it.

“Regardless of what happens, it’s just great to get the awareness out there about the amazing work going on at Ocean Mind,” Jake said.

Voting for Westfield Local Heroes closes on Monday, September 14. Visit westfield.com.au/local-heroes and click on the Geelong tab to cast your vote.