In-School Mentor - Primary School

Become a Mentor with 12 Buckets One hour a week can change a young person’s story

At 12 Buckets, mentoring isn’t a quick fix. It’s a relationship.

We’re a Perth-based charity supporting young people aged 6–12 in Perth’s northern suburbs. We’re embedded in local government schools, showing up consistently so young people feel seen, safe, and supported.

If you’ve ever wished you could do something practical to strengthen your community — this is it.

What you’ll do as a Mentor As a volunteer Mentor, you’ll be matched with young people and meet with them for 1 hour per week during school terms.

Your role is simple (and powerful): be a steady, trusted adult. In sessions, you might:

• Play games, build Lego, cook, draw, or do a simple activity together
• Help a young person practise social skills and emotional regulation in a safe space
• Encourage them to try, to keep going, and to notice their own strengths
• Be a calm presence when school feels overwhelming
• Celebrate small wins that most people never see

You don’t need to be a teacher, counsellor, or “expert”. You just need to be kind, patient, and consistent.

The impact you’ll have Many of the young people we support are carrying big things — stress at home, trauma, learning challenges, social isolation, or the feeling that they don’t quite fit. Mentoring helps them build what we all need to thrive:

• Belonging: “I’m not alone. I matter here.”
• Mastery: “I can learn. I can improve.”
• Independence: “I can make choices. I can handle hard moments.”
• Generosity: “I can contribute. I have something to give.”

When a young person has one reliable person in their corner, school becomes safer. Confidence grows. Behaviour settles. Connection becomes possible.

A real impact story One young person we supported (we’ll call him Archer) started out keeping his distance. He didn’t trust adults easily and would often opt out of group activities. His Mentor didn’t push. Week by week, they built trust through simple, interest-led sessions — a kick of the footy, a shared project, a quiet chat.

Over time, Archer began to show up differently. He started initiating conversation, joining in with others, and taking small risks — like trying something new or asking for help.

The biggest change wasn’t loud or dramatic. It was this: he stopped seeing himself as “the kid on the outside.” That’s what consistent mentoring can do.

If you’re wondering “Will I make a difference?” Yes.

Because for a young person who’s used to adults leaving, being inconsistent, or being too busy — you showing up every week is the difference.

This role is based in our 12 Buckets room embedded in one of our partner primary schools in Balga, Koondoola, Girrawheen, Mirrabooka or Clarkson.

We prefer our volunteer Mentors to commit to 1 hour once a week (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) during school terms for a minimum of 12 months. More info is available on our website