Volunteer Family Connect is an evidence based program that provides social and practical support to families in their homes on a weekly basis for up to 2 hours. The volunteer works in partnership with the family to offer information, friendly support and encouragement in a non-threatening, non-directive and non-judgemental manner.

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

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

1. Volunteers complete an application, undergo required checks and training and are selected on suitability to join the program
2. Learner Drivers complete formal driving lessons with a qualified instructor and when permitted are allowed to start driving practice with a volunteer.
3. The learner driver and volunteer are introduced at a matching evening.
4. 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

1. Mentoring is a fantastic way of connecting with others and making a difference in the lives of young people.
2. Mentoring is rewarding: assist a young person to achieve their goals in developing safe and lawful driving habits for life.
3. Engage and interact with young people to build a positive, trusting friendship.
4. Receive comprehensive training and ongoing support via regular information forums at Berry Street, Morwell.
5. 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.

Thanks also to TAC and the Victoria Police.