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Individuals

At Risk Young People

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

This unique mentoring program provides (at-risk/vulnerable) children and young people with one to one support and encourages the development of social and life skills.  

Trained and carefully screened adult mentors, generally between the ages of 20 and 45 years, are matched with an individual child and spend time together on a weekly basis. By spending time with a responsible adult doing everyday activities, the child is able to explore different skills and experiences that increase their sense of self worth, improve their relationships, develop their potential at home, school and in the community and have a lot of fun.

YWCA NSW’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program is a nationally accredited program. A core aspect of the Big Brothers Big Sisters model is a case management approach. Trained staff coordinate the recruitment and screening of mentors and the process of making matches. Staff continue to provide support to mentors, children and families throughout the life of the match with regular supervision and review meetings with the mentor, family and child.

Through YWCA NSW’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program over 3000 children and young people have benefited from having a mentor.

Research has found that Big Brothers Big Sisters brings about profound positive change in the way these young people feel about themselves and how they view their world. Research on children who had grown up with a Big Sister or Brother as opposed to those without were:

• 75% more likely to participate in tertiary education
• More likely to report greater relationship satisfaction with the friends, partners and family
• More likely to be engaged in their community through volunteering or leadership roles.
  (Harris Interactive 2009)

Become a Volunteer Big Brother or Sister

We are always seeking positive and enthusiastic adults to become mentors to support young people during critical times in their development.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a special and unique opportunity to experience and contribute to the positive changes that can be made by giving a small amount of time and commitment to a child.

Read on to hear what some of our Big Sister and Big Brother mentors have to say and to find out how you too can experience the rewards of volunteering.

What our Big Brothers and Big Sisters have to say

I am proud to be a Big Brother - this is exactly what so many young people are lacking: guidance, support and a good friend. My little Brother is 8 years old and has been matched to me as we share many common interests. This is definitely one of the strengths of the program that you are matched to a Little that you will be able to make a real difference to."

I am proud to be a Big Sister. I have been matched with Dora for over six months and our growing friendship is special. With each outing, we are learning and working together. For me, the Big Brothers Big Sisters program puts life in greater perspective. You appreciate the 'little' things even more."

I became a Big Sister so I could connect with my local community, give something back and make a new friend. I’m really enjoying the opportunity to expose Yesim to new things and watch her learn and grow."

I've always had a strong empathy with kids facing challenges in life and got involved because I wanted to do something positive in the community. What I hadn’t expected was to get as much, if not more, out of the program than my 'little' - it's been immensely rewarding and Paloma is just part of my life now."

If you would like more information please contact our team on 02 9285 6250 or you can email: bbbs@ywcansw.com.au.

How to Get your Child Involved?

To be involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program a child needs to be aged between 7 and 17 and need a positive role model. If you want to be a part of the program or find out more, you can contact us. If appropriate, a case worker will then come out and visit you and your family to talk further about the program.

Contact:

Please contact our team on 1300 4 Mentor, Fax us on 02 9283 2485 or you can email:

bbbs@ywcansw.com.au.