Are you sitting at home bored with nothing to do these school holidays? Contemplating days of complete boredom escaped by shopping, just hanging out, watching TV? Well, forget whinging about being bored and get off your butt and do something positive for you and others - sign up as a volunteer!

BB chats to Amanda Parks, a volunteer for help organisation, ReachOut.

What is the overall objective of the ReachOut Organisation?
ReachOut is a web-based service that helps young people through tough times. We provide information and support of all kinds, for people in need to uncover and solve problems they may be experiencing.

The website is also a place to chill out and gain inspiration. It consists of real life stories where ordinary people have overcome obstacles and challenges in their own lives.

The website allows people to interact on youth forums by lending advice to people who find themselves on the down low.

So, if you've had a fight with a loved one, are feeling a bit down or just need some extra cheering up you can find suggestions and solutions on the ReachOut website.

In your opinion, what are some of the major issues that teenagers deal with today?
Teenagers have so much going on at once and often become extremely overwhelmed. The main concern I face as a volunteer of a youth organisation is helping teens talk about their upsets , frustrations or confusions without keeping it bottled up.

Teens need to know that school is always going to be challenging, family life is not always going to be perfect, and drugs and alcohol will always be there. So, it's just about finding the balance and the self confidence to stand up for what is right, all of which is exposed on our website.

What kind of responsibilities have you taken on as a volunteer with ReachOut?
I have been a Youth Ambassador for some time now. Everyday I log onto a volunteer forum where I speak to other ambassadors from ReachOut all across Australia. There, we collaborate and communicate our ideas and experiences and find different ways to promote the organisation to different regions.

I get to do cool things like attend music festivals and markets where we set up stalls and speak to everyday people as they walk by! It's so rewarding to have that one on one experience.

I have been lucky enough to interview bands around WA and get their feedback on social problems and ReachOut itself.

I also quite regularly visit schools where we encourage teens to get involved with the website and spread the word of support to their friends and family!

What do you take away from the experience of being a volunteer?
Volunteering is honestly a life-changing experience. I could not imagine the person I'd be today without the experiences I have had.

When I began my service for ReachOut I was just so amazed with the confidence I gained from being around so many different types of people. I never imagined I was capable enough to set up interviews or even take care of another person's needs.

A few months ago I wrote out a fact-sheet on a personal issue I had experienced and posted it on the website. The feedback from other people in the same situations just blew me away. I suppose it's just so satisfying when you've helped another person and given them a greater outlook on life.

What kind of person does it take to be a volunteer?
No matter age, background, race or gender, absolutely anybody can become a volunteer! If you are passionate and open-minded and confident in yourself you will be successful in any organisation.

Overall, what advice could you give to those boo's out there wanting to become volunteers?
Get out of your comfort zone and make things happen for yourself! Being a volunteer will bring so much more into your life. Think about what interests you and your abilities when deciding which organisation is right for you, as it's all about giving what you can to your community.

My best advice would be to always have a positive attitude and open mind and DON'T forget to share your experiences with those around you.

So Boo's, offer up your time to a worthy cause. No matter if its one day one weekend or one year of volunteering, it may just be the thing to bring on a better you! Reachout may not be the gig for you but there are heaps of other things to do. Check out our website links and also check out your local council as they have volunteer gigs in elderly homes, soup kitchens, and heaps more + organisations like the Salvos and Red Cross are always on the hunt for volunteers. It sure beats moaning about boredom over the hols!

Check out the Reachout Website: www.Reachout.com.au

If Reachout doesn't seem like your thing be sure to check out its sister site www.Actnow.com.au, for great range of volunteer services available for you.