Mentoring young people in the community

The Whitelion Leaving Care Mentoring Program (WLCMP) aims to match young people leaving the Out-of-Home-Care system with a Mentor from within their own community prior to their move to independent living in order to reduce isolation and loneliness and assist them to connect with their community.

The WLCMP Targets

• 15-21 year olds who are preparing to leave residential or home based care
• At risk of becoming homeless
• At risk of disconnecting from the wider community
• Vulnerable to ?dropping out? or education or training, or
• Pregnant/parenting teens who have limited or no formal support outside the care system

WHAT IS MENTORING?

The Australian Youth Mentoring Network describes Mentoring as providing a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement.

The Mentor is not a replacement for a parent, nor are they a counsellor or teacher. They are a sounding board and confidant to the young person.

WHO CAN BECOME A MENTOR?

Anyone who is over the age of 18 and successfully completes the free Whitelion Mentor Training and screening process can become a Mentor. You do not have to have any particular qualification or come from any specific background. We need all sorts of Mentors to reflect the diversity of the young people we work with.

All Mentor training is FREE and delivered within the Gippsland Region (predominantly from the Berry Street Morwell office). Free on-going training and workshops are also provided to Mentors that focus on youth related issues.

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF A MENTOR?

Berry Street asks its Mentors to commit to a relationship of at least 12 months. During this time Mentors are expected to spend at least 3 hours per fortnight and speak to them via telephone at least once a week.

MENTORING HAS MANY BENEFITS

Mentoring offers many opportunities for Mentors:

• Regular support and Training from our Mentoring staff
• The ability to have fun and connect with young people in the pursuit of recreational activities
• To be challenged and rewarded on a personal and intellectual level
• To gain a greater understanding of the community in which you live
• To be part of a community of Mentors who will provide support throughout your journey

Mentoring within the Whitelion Leaving Care Mentoring Program aims to provide a specific focus on preparing young people to transition from the Out-of-Home-Care system to independent living.

The focus may take the form of assisting the young person with issues such as:

• Cooking and Cleaning
• Budgeting and money matters
• Health (including sexual health, AOD and mental health)
• Personal hygiene
• Social development (friends, family and relationships)
• Personal development
• Education and employment
• Tenancy and accommodation (obtaining and maintaining accommodation)

I?M INTERESTED! HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?

For more information please contact.

Contact: Whitelion Leaving Care Mentoring Coordinator

Berry Street Gippsland

Address: 37 Elgin Street, Morwell VIC 3840

Telephone: (03) 5134 5971

Email: gippsland@berrysteet.org.au