Information and Downloads: Application Form Volunteer Position Description Mentoring Tip Sheet

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Friendship changes lives

YWCA'S Big Brothers Big Sisters Program is a nationally accredited program. A core aspect of the Big Brothers Big Sisters model is a professional case management approach. Educated and trained staff oversee the engagement of volunteers and the process of making matches. The staff continue to provide support to volunteers, children and families throughout the life of the match.

Trained and screened volunteers are matched with an individual child who they then get together with on a weekly basis. By spending time with a responsible adult doing everyday activities, the young person 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.

Volunteers gain just as much from the relationship experience a renewed sense of discovery, learning and enjoyment. The Rewards of Volunteering

Through YWCA’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program Each year around 160 children benefit from having a Big Brother or Sister.

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. Children with a Big Sister or Brother as opposed to those without were:

* 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
* 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
* 53% less likely to skip school

The Program relies largely on the success of our annual fundraiser. The Mother of All Balls - organised by patron Rachel Ward and the Ball committee which contributes around $500,000 to the operation of the program each year.

Become a Volunteer Big Brother or Sister

Download the Volunteer Position Description

The Rewards of Volunteering

It is such a simple gift to give those children who are having a tough time their own Big Sister or Brother to be their special friend and mentor. Someone who cares, listen and displays by their own behavior how to fit into society and recognise the common good.

But there’s more as a big brother or sister you will enriching your life, extending your networks, meet new people and making new friends.

Read on to hear what some of our big sister and big brother volunteers have to say and to fin out how you too can experience the rewards of volunteering.

What our Big Brothers and Sisters have to Say

"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."
Richard Misso, National Business Manager

"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."
Sarah Smith, PR Manager Fairfax Business Media

"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."
Emi Weir, Marketing Manager Adventure World

"I have been matched with David for one and a half years. We have a great time together going to Swans games, the zoo, markets,kayaking and playing football."
Richard Landrigan Student Sydney University

"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.
Rebecca Glenn, Journalist, ABC Radio and AAP

How Does it Work

It only takes a couple of hours each week, supporting, guiding and having fun with a young person who needs a friend. Full training and support is provided.

We have children who are waiting now, to be matched with someone, just like you. Apply now.

Who are the Young People on the Program

They often have needs that are not able to be met by their current support system which can result in loneliness and isolation. The young people can be referred to the program by parents, schools and professionals.

What commitment is needed?

Most volunteers continue the relationship past the initial 12 month period because they get so much out of it. There is also a range of organised activities and workshops to help you along the way.

What Skills Do I Need?

- Have the interest and ability to relate to a young person
- Be willing and able to accept supervision from program staff
- Have good communication skills
- Have ability to accept others with different values

You don’t need any specialised skills - it’s not about being a social worker or a counsellor, and there is no financial commitment.

It’s about giving back to the community, challenging yourself… and having fun! So, if you like to surf, ten-pin bowl, make a cake, bike ride, ice skate, rollerblade, swim, go to the beach or simply hang out… become a Big Brother or Big Sister.

What is required of me?

The screening process includes:

- Initial interview
- Application form
- References
- Psychological profile
- Main interview
- Police check
- Training
- Home visit

How does it make a difference?

The long term impact is well documented. Research has found that children with a Big Brother or Sister (as opposed to those without) were:

- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
- 53% less likely to skip school

Application Form
Other Volunteering Opportunities

Information for Families

Y Big Brothers Big Sisters is part of a national professionally run mentoring program that provides children and young people with positive adult role models who offer support and friendship. This is achieved through a trusting relationship with a professionally trained adult volunteer.

The aim of the Program is to develop the self-worth and confidence of the young person through the experience of having a caring and positive adult friend in their lives who listens, understands, accepts and respects them. The healthy development of every child is enhanced by positive, nurturing, mentoring relationships.

The friendship develops through regular outings together, usually on weekends. Outings might include going to the park, bike riding, seeing a movie or going to a museum.

Who are the Big Brothers and Big Sisters?

How does it work?

A young person is matched with a Big Sister or Big Brother based on their personality, interests, and where they live. Once a volunteer is found for the young person, a match meeting is organised with the parent, young person, volunteer and case worker. The first 3 months is a trial to see how things go. A review is held after this time, and then again at the end of one year.

What can the Program Offer Your child?

The friendship develops through regular outings together, usually on weekends. Outings might include roller blading, bike riding, seeing a movie or going to a museum. Outings are usually every week for 2 to 4 hours.

How much will it cost?

How to get your child involved?

Contact Details:
Ph: 1300 4 Mentor | Fax: 9283 2485
Email: bbbs@ywcansw.com.au

Child Referrals

Contact Details
Ph: 1300 4 Mentor | Fax: 9283 2485
Email: bbbs@ywcansw.com.au

YWCA’s Mother of All Balls 2008

Mother of all Balls 2007

32 of Australia’s leading corporates hosted tables including:

Just some of the high profile guests who attended: 
Rachel Ward & Bryan Brown, George Miller, Peter Garratt, Akira Isogawa (donated a custom made rug for live auction), Luke Mangan, Richard Wilkins, the Chaser’s Julian Morrow, Monica Trapaga, Carolyn Hewson, Glen-Marie Frost, Elisabeth Fox, Glenn & Jo Shorrock, Deborah Thomas, Mike Carlton & Morag Ramsey, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Nell Campbell, James Valentine, Camilla & Marc Freeman, Alexandra Keating, Katherine Keating, Terri Biviano, Fernando Frissoni, Claudia Navone and other special VVIP GUESTS!.

The overall fundraising result totaled $607,000 this will ensure that 300 vulnerable children participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters and Aunties and Uncles programs will have their own special friend and mentor. Programs proven to bring about profound positive change in the way these young people feel about themselves and how they view their world.

Guests donated generously to the 'Fund a Project', - to establish a Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Nowra raising $162,000 so that 40 at risk children will have their own special friend and mentor.

Funders and Sponsors

Other Funders include:

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
NSW PREMIERS DEPARTMENT
UNITED WAY SYDNEY
ARA GROUP - ED FEDERMAN
RECKITT BENCKISER - Workplace Giving Scheme $15,000 (corporate donation) and employees are contributing through the Reckitt Benckiser employee payroll deduction scheme.

Program Origins

The program was brought to Australia in 1978 by Jocelyn Murphy (CEO, YWCA NSW), who was a Big Sister herself in Canada. YWCA NSW has grown and developed the program and today is one of the largest operators in Australia.

Click here to Donate to This Program