Volunteer Mentor - Pakenham Upper

The Community Connection Mentoring program is aimed at providing extended community support to young people involved in the Child Protection system, who reside in residential or home-based care and are soon to be transitioning into independent living. This is done through matching volunteers from the community with one of our young people for a 6-12 month formal mentor partnership where they meet weekly in the community for mentoring sessions. Mentors engage in regular recreational activities with individual young people to facilitate the development of an enduring and constructive relationships. This reduces isolation, creates hope for a positive future, and increases opportunities to pursue their interests, and increases relationship skills and social resources. Group activity days are also offered to all young people and volunteers on the program as an additional opportunity to connect and build community. Key responsibilities for this role include: • Provide appropriate level of role modelling and support to young people. • Encourage young person to consider education, training and employment opportunities. • Promote and assist a young person's community participation. • Participate in a core training program and regular meetings with the program coordinator.