Damion Fraser is dedicating his life to the next generation, both with his full-time job and the work he does every afternoon.

Every day, he picks up students and takes them to get some exercise in and a healthy breakfast before school starts.

Since doing that, Mr Fraser has also started a side business of mentoring adolescents with a focus on the GEM method - gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.

Mr Fraser admits that he made a lot of mistakes as a result of growing up in a violent household.

"I didn't have many good role models or mentors to point me in the right direction," he said.

"I made a lot of bad decisions that landed me in some dark places for long periods of time. I'm lucky enough to be here today to share my stories with the young people I work with."

When life became overwhelming, Mr Fraser said he tried to take his own life, and he has since traced it back to the trauma from his childhood.

"As I was growing up, I had destructive habits," he said.

"I never had someone to tell me I was doing the wrong thing. I never want anyone else to go through that, so I want to be the person that is there for young people.

"My rugby league coach, Russell, was a good role model and we created a positive relationship of trust that gave me hope."

Mr Fraser said a focus has been re-educating himself while being open to growing every day and now he wants to help others.

He said not having a mentor is one of the primary reasons he went down "the wrong path". So, Mr Fraser wants to make sure that others don't go down the same road.

"If I can give the young people life skills to help navigate them the journey, then my job is half done," he said.

"The rest is up to them. I guess that's where ownership starts coming into play. I think there are so many people out there who have to put on a brave face every day."

Mr Fraser said people are shocked when he discusses what he does for work as they make assumptions based on the fact he is "burly and tatted".

But, Mr Fraser said he is all about showing his vulnerabilities to develop a sense of trust with his mentees.

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"You can be an incredible role model and mentor without being false," he said.

"Share that story with young people. Be honest. Say that sometimes you also feel you have to turn up with a smile on your face but actually, that can be disingenuous.

"I really am just a big teddy bear."

Mr Fraser said sometimes he makes sure his mentees reach out to services and counsellors when necessary, but often they need someone just to sit and listen.

"I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I think they relate to that," he said.

Mr Fraser said he gets feedback from teachers and parents that make it all worth it.

"They grow in confidence and learn about gratitude, empathy and mindfulness which helps them set up good habits," he said.

"I focus on setting goals with them, big and small, and also instil a sense of making healthy habits.

"I love the work I do, and I plan tot keep doing whatever I can to help today's youth."