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
Many young people in our community need help to get the driving
experience required for their licence. You can make a difference by
volunteering to assist them in the Shepparton or Latrobe Community
L2P Learner Driver Mentor Programs.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This program is open to young people aged 16 to 20 years who
reside in Latrobe City. The L2P program assists those who do not
have access to the support and resources necessary to achieve the
120 hours of driving experience required for obtaining a
probationary drivers licence.
The program aims to
Assist disadvantaged young people in receiving the support they
need to get their license
Advocate safe and lawful driving practice amongst younger
drivers.
Recruit and train volunteers from community to develop a
positive mentoring relationship with young learner drivers
Promote and encourage connectedness with the local
community.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Volunteers complete an application, undergo required checks and
training and are selected on suitability to join the program
Learner Drivers complete formal driving lessons with a
qualified instructor and when permitted are allowed to start
driving practice with a volunteer.
The learner driver and volunteer are introduced at a matching
evening.
Weekly supervised driving sessions commence using an approved
program vehicle.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Hold a current full Victorian Drivers Licence and a good
driving record.
Be interested in helping young people from diverse
background.
Be over 21 years of age.
Willing to obtain a Police Check, Licence Check and Working
with Children Check prior to acceptance into the program � cost met
by the program.
Complete the Vicroads Volunteer Supervising Driver
Training
Commit a minimum of 1-2 hours per week for 12 months.
BENEFITS
Mentoring is a fantastic way of connecting with others and
making a difference in the lives of young people.
Mentoring is rewarding: assist a young person to achieve their
goals in developing safe and lawful driving habits for life.
Engage and interact with young people to build a positive,
trusting friendship.
Receive comprehensive training and ongoing support via regular
information forums at Berry Street, Morwell.
Choose the times convenient to you to assist the young person
gain their driving experience.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
We have Learner Drivers ready and waiting to be matched with a
Volunteer/Mentor.
Contact: L2P Coordinator
Latrobe Community Learner
Driver Mentor Program
Address: 37 Elgin Street, Morwell VIC 3840
Telephone: (03) 5134 5971
Many young people in our community need help to get the driving
experience required for their license. You can make a difference by
volunteering to assist them in The Latrobe Community Learner Driver
Mentor Program.
A safe car, insurance and ongoing training and support are
provided.
The program is supported by a partnership between Berry Street,
the Latrobe City Council, VicRoads and RoadSafe Victoria.
