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Big Brothers Big Sisters
This unique mentoring program provides one to one support and encourages the development of social and life skills to vulnerable children at critical times.
Volunteer mentors tell us they gain just as much from the program though learning about other families and cultures, experiencing new activities and being connected to others in their community.
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. Children and parents involved in the program have reported increases in self esteem, social and communication skills (O’Hara 2006). 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).
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 last year raised $230,000 towards our mentoring programs.
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.
The Rewards of Volunteering
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 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 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."
"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.
How Does it Work
As a Big Brother or Big Sister, you will help to bring about a profound positive change in the way these young people feel about themselves and how they view the world.
It only takes a couple of hours each week, supporting, guiding and spending time with a child. Full training and support is provided and volunteer mentors are allocated a case worker to guide and support them throughout the life of the mentor relationship.
Who are the Children and Young People on the Program
The children and young people on the program are between 7 and 17 years old, and come from a variety of backgrounds.
They have often been identified or nominated to require extra adult support, to complement their relationship with their family. The young people can be referred to the program by parents, schools and professionals.
What commitment is needed?
Ideally, volunteers commit to seeing their match for 2-4 hours on a weekly basis for a year, however this contact can be flexible.
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?
You do not need to have a lot of experience with young people. However it is important that volunteer mentors:
- Have the interest and ability to relate to children or young people
- Be willing and able to accept supervision from program staff
- Have good communication skills
- Have ability to accept others with different values.
What is required of me?
YWCA NSW recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children in our programs.
The screening process for volunteer mentors includes:
- Application form
- Initial interview
- Police check
- Psychological profile
- References
- Main interview
- Training
- Home visit
How does it make a difference?
Since it was introduced into
The long term impact is well documented. Research has found that children with a Big Brother or Sister (as opposed to those without) were:
· 75 % more likely to get a degree
· 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.
Information for Families
YWCA NSW is dedicated to improving the lives of Australian children through creating and delivering high quality, volunteer based mentoring programs.
YWCA NSW Big Brothers Big Sisters is part of a nationally recognized and accredited mentoring program that provides children and young people with support and encouragement to reach their potential. 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 child through the experience of having a caring and positive adult person 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?
The Big Brothers and Sisters are trained volunteers over 20 years of age who would like to be to be a positive role model to a child. They are all required to go through a rigorous screening process to ensure their suitability. This involves interviews, reference checks, psychological profile and police check. Once they have been selected volunteers receive training and ongoing support by our case workers.
How does it work?
Once we accept a referral and get to know the child & family, they are put on our waiting list. Sometimes it can take a few weeks or even a few months for us to find a suitable Big Sister or Brother. It really depends on which volunteers are available.
A child 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 child, a match meeting is organised with the parent, child, 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?
Being matched with a Big Sister or Brother can give a child a chance to develop a supportive relationship with a positive role model.
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?
There are no fees to join Big Brothers Big Sisters. Everyone pays their own way on the match outings. We encourage matches to go on free or low cost outings.
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 Details:
Ph: 1300 4 Mentor | Fax: 9283 2485 | Email: bbbs@ywcansw.com.au
Funders and Sponsors
Our gala fundraiser the YWCA’s Mother of All Balls is the main source of funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
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.
Contact Us:
Ph: 02 9285 6279 | Fax: 9283 2485 | Email: oliviaj@ywcansw.com.au
Program Origins
Big Brothers Big Sisters began in America in 1904 with the foundation of Big Brothers of New York, followed by the Big Sisters program five years later. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America now has over 500 affiliated organizations in the USA.
The program was brought to Australia in 1978 by Jocelyn Murphy (previous 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.
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