"We catch people before they become victims, help them reconnect with friends, and prevent isolation."

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MAS QUAID, a passionate volunteer, firmly believes in the positive difference made by the work of the charity Take 10. While working in hospitality in Courtenay Place in 2022, Mas’s interest was sparked by seeing Take 10 in action and talking with founders Clint and Leigh. He emailed to ask if he could join, fell in love with the mission, and has since dedicated over 500 volunteer hours to the cause resulting in his nomination for Volunteer Wellington’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award. 

Mas emphasizes that Take 10 focuses on alcohol harm reduction rather than abstinence and providing a safe late night space for young people in downtown Wellington’s entertainment area. He describes it as the preventative white picket fence at the top of the cliff, not the police or ambulance at the bottom. Mas believes that Take 10 and Wellington City Council’s (WCC) ‘Poneke Promise’ improve safety and provide mental health support. “We catch people before they become victims, help them reconnect with friends, and prevent isolation. Ours is a safe place to change pace, sober up, chat, have water and lollies, charge phones, devise a plan to get home safely and if required, for overnight monitoring.”

On Fridays and Saturdays, Mas leads a team of 3–5 volunteers and a security guard from 10pm to 3am. They set up the Take 10 Space with a large green mat to separate it from the street, unload the truck, prepare 500 litres of water and sign in with WCC’s CCTV camera base, also the most efficient means of contact with the police. Mas briefs the team about the street vibe, drug alerts, things to look for and break timings. The team starts by offering water and lollies to introduce themselves and chat with people about their night. Any incidents of concern are reported to WCC.

Trust and rapport are established through repeat conversations; the team participates in hundreds of interactions each night. With anxiety often an issue, the team provides a non-judgmental, listening ear, offering safety, comfort, and advice as needed. Take 10 has ensured Mas is equipped to handle various scenarios with training in first aid, mental health first aid, alcohol first aid, and de-escalation. Mas also feels well supported by bosses, volunteers, workmates, parents, and friends. 

At the end of each shift, the team debriefs and the Team Lead sends a report to the City Safety Group representing Take 10, the CCTV crew, police, ambulance and Victoria University who meet on Mondays to review and plan.

Mas’s volunteering intersects with his paid employment as Café Manager at Wellington City Mission’s Whakamaru. He is employed by Yellow Seat, an organization set up to cater for charities and trusts. Mas believes it is vital for charities to connect and support each other and sees a significant role for Volunteer Wellington in providing this connection.