By Parker McKenzie
Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia is now recruiting volunteers to become mentors for local young people in the Boronia area after receiving $50,000 in funding from the Victorian State Government.
The mentoring provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia is one-on-one, long-term and intensive, designed to respond to the individual needs of young people aged seven to 17.
In 2021, Headspace mental health service for young people reported a 50 per cent increase in referrals for young people who have been admitted to a hospital emergency department because of mental health reasons.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia said many young people are waiting longer to seek support because of the pandemic, while many are in crisis already by the time they reach out.
“Research has shown that mentoring and the establishment of a one on one relationship with a positive adult role model, is one of the most effective ways to support the wellbeing of young people,” BBBS said.
“The early-intervention and preventative approach of targeting young people who are at risk of disengaging from the community not only has a profound, life-long impact on the individual, but it also contributes to improved outcomes for the wider community.”
Bayswater State MP Jackson Taylor expressed interest in bringing the program to the Boronia community in 2021 and helped secure the funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia.
Mr Jackson Taylor said Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia has been helping young people through mentoring for years.
“I’m proud to announce that thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Andrews Labor Government they’ll be helping young people who need it locally,” he said.
“If you’re out there and interested in helping young people who need it to grow and thrive, reach out to the team at BBBS.”
Mr Jackson expressed interest in bringing the program to the Boronia community 2021 and helped secure the funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a part of the world’s largest volunteer-supported mentoring network, operating out of 14 countries.
Interested parties can contact BBBS via support@bbbsau.org or apply directly via their website www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au
