Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson Hits 300 Not Out

November 23rd 2010

On 11 November 2010 Turhan Djemal and Jared became the 300th ‘match’ in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson Mentoring Programme.

Since the first ‘match’ in Nelson was made between an adult and a young person in 1998, the programme has grown steadily and now has more than 100 young people who benefit from the support of an adult friend each year.

“The key to the programme’s success are the mentors – everyday, ordinary people who volunteer a few hours each week to spend with a young person” says Gavin Millar, Programme Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Nelson. Gavin says the average length of a mentoring relationship is two years, with a commitment of at least 12 months to the young person. However, some relationships are in their fifth, sixth and even seventh year.

Being a Big Brother or a Big Sister is fun and all you need to do is share what you enjoy doing with your “Little Brother” or “Sister”. Turhan and Jared were matched together because they shared similar interests. For example Turhan is a member of the Nelson Trolley Club and Jared enjoys making and racing trolleys, says Gavin.

Big Brothers Big Sisters programme is an overwhelmingly successful scheme for Nelson. A ten-year old boy from the Nelson programme has said, “The best thing about having a mentor is that I’ve learnt to have a friend.” When he was asked what makes a friendship, he replied, “Trust, time and fun”. This ten year-old has captured the essence of the Big Brothers Big Sisters model of mentoring. It’s not a complex intervention; it’s all about fun, friendships and ordinary activities.

To recognise and celebrate these volunteers Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson is holding its annual ‘Volunteer Recognition’ evening at 7.00pm on Tuesday 7 December at the Boathouse. This event celebrates the commitment that these volunteers make to their young people and to the Nelson/Tasman community.