Volunteer mentors needed to create life-changing outcomes for Illawarra high school students

National youth mentoring charity Raise Foundation is calling for volunteer mentors to support the mental health and social wellbeing of Illawarra high school students.

With demand growing across the region, the preventative program offers a life-changing opportunity for youth and those willing to step up and make a meaningful difference.

Program manager Sutherland and Illawarra Madeleine Killian said the program matched trained mentors to young people most in need of support with engagement and wellbeing, with it having a significant impact on Illawarra students.

However, it needed more volunteer mentors to meet the demand.

“Having someone that believes in them and shows up for 20 weeks just for them really does go such a long way,” Madeleine said.

“We see such an increase in their confidence, sense of self, their belief that they can do hard things, but also that they are worthy of going on to live a happy, successful life, and that their dreams are achievable.”

Raise Foundation started in 2008 as a mentoring program for young mothers in Sydney.

Madeleine said it had since evolved to provide mentors for high school students, with the philosophy that every young person deserves a supportive, non-judgmental space to navigate life’s challenges.

She said the next step it was piloting was a digital program where young people could access a volunteer mentor online, just as they would in a school-based program.

Operating in 180 high schools nationwide, there are four Illawarra high schools that are the focus for term two – Dapto High, Lake Illawarra High, Albion Park High and Keira High.

However, Madeleine admitted there was a waitlist of schools as the program’s popularity continued to grow in the Illawarra.

“Those four schools have been with us a long time, so we continue to service them,” she said.

“The way it works is those schools approached us asking for us to come in and run the program, but we’re very much looking to expand into other schools in the region and also encourage young people in the area to link in with our programs online.

“But to do that, we’re really looking to drive those volunteer numbers upward.”

Madeleine said mentors didn’t need professional experience, just an open mind and heart.

“You need to be able to understand that every young person is different, that every young person is going to need something a little bit different from you, but to come in and be willing and able to create a safe and a non-judgmental space,” she said.

“Our training is leading the way in the industry, so the mentors are supported every step of the way.”

Madeleine said in addition to training, mentors were supervised by a qualified program counsellor throughout the program.

She said the program was particularly appealing to retirees, who found a sense of purpose and community through the mentoring relationships.

“I think it’s an experience that challenges our mentors and asks them to step out of their comfort zone. But in turn, it’s very rewarding,” she said.

“I’ve also seen mentors build a community and form social connections with other mentors in the group.

“For instance, at one of our schools each week after the session, the mentors go out, grab a coffee together, and that friendship has extended beyond that program.”

Those interested in becoming a Raise youth mentor can apply through the organisation’s website for term two positions.