Mentors

Read what some of our mentors have to say

Mentors come from all walks of life. The diversity of life experience and the range of ideas is a major resource for both young people and mentors. Retirees, mature jobseekers, employers, university and TAFE students, grandparents, retirees, elders, teachers all come together to support young people in a ‘can-do’ team environment.

Every year since 2002 more than 200 men and women have mentored in local schools. They range in age from 20 to 89 years and between them, have an enormous variety of experience and backgrounds. Some have been volunteering for five years. Many people are surprised at the rewards.

Why Mentor?

There are many different reasons that people choose mentoring. The common ground is a concern and interest in helping young people. Mentors like to give back to the community, meet new people, be useful and keep learning. Many people are pleasantly surprised at the two-way benefits of mentoring.

There are also other opportunities for volunteer participation in program management; mentor support, training and workshops; special projects for students.

RETIREES, GRANDPARENTS, ELDERS and MATURE JOBSEEKERS - use the wisdom of their life experience to ‘give something back’ and ‘stay involved’.

UNIVERSITY AND TAFE STUDENTS - link with the community and often gain job skills and new networks along the way.

BUSINESS PEOPLE and EMPLOYEES – use their work to make a personal contribution to young people and their community.

PARENTS, RELATIVES, FRIENDS and NEIGHBOURS (of primary and high school students) – meet new friends and find it helpful to learn about the school system.

There is a waiting list of students and schools for mentors. To enquire about being a mentor, click here.

What Can Mentors Do?

Plan-it Youth Hunter Central Coast mentors spend a couple of hours a week for approximately 8-12 weeks with a volunteer student .

They -

• listen;
• encourage young people to identify their strengths and skills;
• act as a sounding board;
• discuss different ways to look at challenges;
• help to think through choices, set goals and take action; and
• share knowledge, skills and experiences to support students and other mentors.

There are always more students interested in having a mentor than can be supported by the current team of volunteers.

What Makes a Good Mentor?

Initially, an interest in helping young people, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. The first step to joining Plan-it Youth Hunter/Central Coast is to participate in training.

We’re just ordinary people doing our bit. How do we convince more people they can do this?
Judy and Malcolm

 

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