Community-Based Mentoring

Our core programme matches a volunteer Big Brother or Big Sister with a child who could benefit from a one-to-one relationship with a caring adult. Mentors and the young person they are matched with meet a few times per month, for a couple of hours each time, at places and times convenient to both. The two share similar interests, and they spend their time together engaged in activities such as kicking a ball around, watching movies, visiting the museum, cheering on a local sports team or simply hanging out.

Children who spend time with a mentor gain confidence, acquire new skills and competencies, and develop an enhanced capacity to care for others. Mentors experience a sense of discovery and enjoyment as they see a world of possibilities open up through the child’s eye.

Who can be a Big Brother or Big Sister?

You can!

Being a Mentor is about being a friend and someone to look up to. It’s about hanging out, talking and sharing, with many smiles along the way. It’s about making one child feel very special; and you’ll feel pretty great too. After the enrolment process, we’ll provide training and match you with a Little Brother or Little Sister who shares your interests. As a Big Brother or Big Sister, you get to build model aeroplane, kick a rugby ball around, play computer games, hang out… whatever! It’s about sharing a little time together – an hour a week, a couple of times a month will make a big difference. You’ll see.

The schedule can be flexible to meet the needs of mentors and young people in different kinds of situations. Some Big Brothers meet their Little Brothers on the weekend or in the evening, while some Big Sisters get together with their Little Sisters after school. There’s almost no one so busy they can’t find a way to fit in a few hours a month.

For more information, contact your nearest local agency. >>