Support our work Volunteering Volunteering Youth Link runs a comprehensive 35 hour training program that provides volunteers with the skills and knowledge to confidently offer a range of opportunistic interventions to young people. Peer Education Youth Link recognises Peer Education as an effective strategy in Youth Work and supports the placement of such volunteers. Youth Link has developed a comprehensive training package. The modules include: Values and Youth Link Sexual Health Harm Minimisation principles Volatile Substance Misuse Cairns Youth Sector Peers complete a 35 hour training course and then have the opportunity to do voluntary work at Youth Link for six months. Participants in the PEER Education Program come from a diverse range of backgrounds, life styles and subsequent experiences, such as previous clients wanting to contribute something back to the organisation, people who have experienced similar experiences to the Clients and university students wishing to gain experience in Youth Work. Many of the PEER educators go on to further training and often gain employment in the youth sector. Peer programs offer a variety of strategies that can enhance knowledge, assist in developing skills in accessing services, provide the potential for a positive peer influence, provide opportunistic education and information and incorporates role-modeling principles. Opportunistic education generally entails education and information via informal groups and one on one contact with young people within the drop in centre. It may be a social/recreational activity, yet the PEER or Youth Worker will use this time to develop a rapport with the young person and 'opportunistically' educate the participant/s. Volunteer PEERs need to: Commit to volunteering one day per week Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday and also Wednesday 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon Have a passion for Youth work Enjoy working in a team