Developing a positive and trusting relationship with a mentor can help young people on the road to recovery. Our Mentoring Program supports young people aged 12 to 25 who are experiencing early signs associated with suicide, depression, anxiety and self-harm and are accessing support services from Youth Focus.
For more information or to apply, please download the Mentor Application Pack and submit here.
About The Program
Mentors are carefully assessed, selected and trained to become positive role models to help the young person develop and enhance skills relating to self-esteem, communication, goal setting, social skills, trust, relationships and conflict resolution.
Mentoring relationships are on an individual basis and a mentor will only be matched with one young person at any given time.
Mentor Education
We are committed to ensuring our mentors are equipped with the skills to provide a positive and supportive mentoring relationship.
Before becoming a mentor, applicants must complete a full day of training which equips the prospective mentor with the knowledge and skills to be positive role models, as well as specific education in understanding youth mental health, self-harm and suicide.
Those who successfully complete this full-day training are then invited to complete a graduation pack which will enable them to be added to the pool of Youth Focus mentors eligible for matching with a young person.
Commitment
Once a young person is matched, the mentor is committed to a period of 12 months.
They meet fortnightly at a day and time suitable to both mentor and young person. Activities should be focused around ensuring conversation and interaction between the mentor and young person so they can build a relationship and develop trust.
Mentors are matched to a young person depending on the young person’s needs and location. Matches may not be immediate.
Eligibility
Mentors must be at least 21 years of age and must not have a family member currently employed with, or accessing our clinical services at Youth Focus.
Applicants undertake a rigorous screening and training process to become mentors and are supported by Youth Programs Coordinators while they are a mentor, whether in an active relationship or waiting to be matched.
A reimbursement system is in place to support mentors in funding mentoring activities and travel costs.
For more information, please contact our Mentor Coordinator on (08) 6266 4333 or via email here.
If you require urgent mental health support, please attend your nearest hospital emergency department or call:
- Mental Health Emergency Response Line on 1300 555 788
- Rurallink on 1800 552 002
- CAMHS Crisis Connect: 1800 048 636
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- 13Yarn on 13 93 76
To enquire about the services we can provide for you, or someone you know, please call:
(08) 6266 4333 More contact information