Youth Mentor - Swan
About Youth Focus Established in 1994, Youth Focus is a leading not-for-profit organisation that delivers innovative and accessible mental health services and programs across Western Australia to help young people thrive.
We offer evidence-based, safe, high-quality services, at no cost, when and where young Western Australians aged 12-25 need them most.
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 2.5 hour training course 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 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. Mentors must also have access to a safe, road worthy vehicle to transport young people for mentoring sessions and not be a user of illicit substances or involved in any illegal activities.
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.