Aunties and Uncles program changing young people's lives through simple acts of kindness

Maree Wright has witnessed the transformative power of simple acts of kindness on young people’s lives over the past year as a volunteer for CareSouth’s Aunties and Uncles program.

Pairing children aged three to 12 from families experiencing isolation, stress or vulnerability with carefully matched volunteers, the initiative has enriched the lives of not only the young participants but also the volunteer mentors – or “aunties and uncles”.

Started nearly 30 years ago and receiving no funding, it is now the organisation’s longest running and one of its most successful programs, with services in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay and Goulburn.

It aims to reduce the contact young people have with the child protection system and makes a difference in the lives of children.

“We’re all time poor and have a lot going on, but we still want to help make a difference,” Maree said.

“I saw this as a monthly commitment for that two-year period or longer, while still feeling like we’re helping a vulnerable child and doing something for our community.

“I know for myself, we’ve got a really big circle of family and friends locally that we can call on for support whenever we need it.

“There are people out there that don’t have that.”

Already part of CareSouth as an employee, she said it was through her employment she was inspired to become a volunteer.

“It has allowed us to make a difference in a child’s life through simple things like playing basketball out the front with my kids, going to the park or jumping on the trampoline,” she said.

Maree said something the Aunties and Uncles team did well was link the children with the right volunteers.

“As part of the process, they sit down with you and your family, or whoever is in your family unit, and talk about your interests, what you do on the weekend, and what your family enjoys,” she said.

“Then they’ll ask similar questions to the young person to be able to match you with someone that’s going to be suitable, and work with your family with ease.

“As a family, we like to go bike riding, bushwalking, fishing, playing basketball and ball games.

“So the young person we’re linked with, he and the family he lives with, we’ve all just meshed really well, because they’ve made that link so well.”

She said since starting with the program 12 months ago, they had already seen change.

“From initially meeting him up to where we are now, you can see how comfortable he is with us,” she said.

“We’re at a point now where I feel if need-be he knows he’s got us to turn to, and that when he’s at our house he feels confident and comfortable to be himself.”

She said her own children were also an important part of their family becoming aunties and uncles.

“They take that role seriously as well, knowing that when we’re together they’re not just going to sit on the PlayStation,” she said.

“They make sure we get out and do things and even in the car together if we’re going somewhere and there’s a bit of a drive, they’ll make up games in the car.

“You’re not making a 24-hour commitment, you’re making a commitment to be a constant, longer term support in that young person’s life, but it fits in with your family.”

She said the acts of kindness only needed to be simple things, such as driving to the beach for chips for a child whose family might not have transport.

“It’s things they may not get to do, but that are just really simple everyday things,” she said.

Maree said whether the young person completed their time with her family in 12 months or stayed in contact for life, it was something to one day look back on and remember what they did as a family.

Taking part in the recent Warm Hearts, Warm Feet campaign to raise awareness of early intervention by wearing slippers to work, she compared the program to the footwear.

“I think that comparing what we do in the Aunties and Uncles program to a pair of cosy slippers is very fitting,” she said.

“Slippers are like a warm hug for your feet, they make you feel safe, snug and supported.

“That’s what we do too as an auntie or uncle, we wrap kids in warmth, we are an extra layer of support for them.”

CareSouth Carer Engagement and Support Team Leader Rebecca Henderson said it had become an important program.

“Aunties and Uncles allows young people to share new experiences, or just everyday things, that can help them navigate challenges, build resilience and develop important social and emotional skills,” she said.

Young people can be referred to the program by parents, teachers, psychologists or support networks by contacting CareSouth on 1300 554 260. Volunteer mentors, including students and grandparents, can also phone to be assessed to join the program.