headshot of Jason Shaw, social services ministry coordinator in the Nelson Anglican Diocese

Jason Shaw

Ministry Coordinator – Social Services

Jason helps parishes develop awareness of their community context and partnership opportunities. He also leads the Nelson division of Red Frogs.

Candy from strangers: Red Frogs Nelson

Jason Shaw

Ministry Coordinator – Social Services

Jason helps parishes develop awareness of their community context and partnership opportunities. He also leads the Nelson division of Red Frogs.

Candy from strangers: Red Frogs Nelson

two people in red frog shirts help an intoxicated young person walk

Young people and risky behaviour: a classic combination! 

Today’s youth live in a culture dominated by alcohol, drugs, social media and other pressures that can lead to dangerous and life-altering behaviours. This is where Red Frogs comes in.

Red Frogs is a support programme that exists to serve and safeguard young people. We’re in the midst of it with a watchful eye and a guiding hand.

It started in 1997 with seventeen volunteers handing out Allen’s frog lollies at a week-long student graduate party called Schoolies in Australia. Now it’s set up in seven countries and reaches over a million people annually!

From end-of-school celebrations and polytech gatherings to music festivals and sport events, you’ll find the Red Frog crew cooking pancakes, handing out water, sitting with people and even holding their hair back as they vomit. 

I’ve been heading up the Nelson division of Red Frogs since 2021, and I do it because I believe in shining a light on a generation and making a difference to a son, a daughter, a student, a friend – our future. 

Our aim is to provide a positive peer presence in alcohol-fuelled environments where young people gather, educate young people on safe partying behaviours, and promote and provide alcohol-free or diversionary activities that engage young people in these environments.

It’s not just about looking after people in the community, but bringing young people onto the team to be a part of it. As the diocese aims to identify and invest in people with the character, competence, and calling for leadership, Red Frogs offers an awesome platform for young leaders to discover their "fit" and find their purpose. We’re focused on raising and equipping young leaders to face the challenges posed by our contemporary society.

Our volunteers, sourced from local churches – including many from the Nelson Anglican Diocese – embody the spirit of compassionate community service. They’re a bunch of legends. They walk towards the messes in people’s lives and love them just where they are. 

If this sounds like a bit of an adventure, you can contribute to our mission too!

I invite you to join the Red Frogs crew. Whether you're on the front lines at events or behind the scenes supporting our volunteers, every role is critical in safeguarding the next generation – sometimes a bottle of water and an understanding ear are all that's needed.

To find out more about Red Frogs Nelson – what makes us tick and how you could get involved – please get in touch. I'd love to have you join us in safeguarding a generation.

Check out other articles in the

series below.

More articles in the

series are to come.

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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.

Candy from strangers: Red Frogs Nelson

Jason Shaw

Ministry Coordinator – Social Services

Jason helps parishes develop awareness of their community context and partnership opportunities. He also leads the Nelson division of Red Frogs.

Candy from strangers: Red Frogs Nelson

Jason Shaw

Ministry Coordinator – Social Services

Jason helps parishes develop awareness of their community context and partnership opportunities. He also leads the Nelson division of Red Frogs.

Candy from strangers: Red Frogs Nelson

two people in red frog shirts help an intoxicated young person walk

Young people and risky behaviour: a classic combination! 

Today’s youth live in a culture dominated by alcohol, drugs, social media and other pressures that can lead to dangerous and life-altering behaviours. This is where Red Frogs comes in.

Red Frogs is a support programme that exists to serve and safeguard young people. We’re in the midst of it with a watchful eye and a guiding hand.

It started in 1997 with seventeen volunteers handing out Allen’s frog lollies at a week-long student graduate party called Schoolies in Australia. Now it’s set up in seven countries and reaches over a million people annually!

From end-of-school celebrations and polytech gatherings to music festivals and sport events, you’ll find the Red Frog crew cooking pancakes, handing out water, sitting with people and even holding their hair back as they vomit. 

I’ve been heading up the Nelson division of Red Frogs since 2021, and I do it because I believe in shining a light on a generation and making a difference to a son, a daughter, a student, a friend – our future. 

Our aim is to provide a positive peer presence in alcohol-fuelled environments where young people gather, educate young people on safe partying behaviours, and promote and provide alcohol-free or diversionary activities that engage young people in these environments.

It’s not just about looking after people in the community, but bringing young people onto the team to be a part of it. As the diocese aims to identify and invest in people with the character, competence, and calling for leadership, Red Frogs offers an awesome platform for young leaders to discover their "fit" and find their purpose. We’re focused on raising and equipping young leaders to face the challenges posed by our contemporary society.

Our volunteers, sourced from local churches – including many from the Nelson Anglican Diocese – embody the spirit of compassionate community service. They’re a bunch of legends. They walk towards the messes in people’s lives and love them just where they are. 

If this sounds like a bit of an adventure, you can contribute to our mission too!

I invite you to join the Red Frogs crew. Whether you're on the front lines at events or behind the scenes supporting our volunteers, every role is critical in safeguarding the next generation – sometimes a bottle of water and an understanding ear are all that's needed.

To find out more about Red Frogs Nelson – what makes us tick and how you could get involved – please get in touch. I'd love to have you join us in safeguarding a generation.

Check out other articles in the

series below.

More articles in the

series are to come.