The Bayside Youth Mentoring (BYM) program is the product of a venture between MacKillop Family Services and the Bayside Churches and Community Action Network (BayNET) to provide a mentoring service for ‘at risk’ young people connected with the City of Bayside.
The aim of the program is to prevent ‘at risk’ young people in the community from becoming ‘high risk’ by linking them to trained and accredited adult mentors.
The BYM program can assist young people who are:
- Aged 10-21 years of age
- Reside within, or have links to City of Bayside (via employment, school, peer network, activities, family, community supports)
- Are referred from families, friends, schools or community agencies
Young people referred to the program may face the following issues:
- Interpersonal conflicts or disruptions within their family or personal networks
- Isolation from family, peers, school and/or community
- Experimenting with alcohol or illicit drug taking
- Emotional or behavioral issues
- Limited social skills and low self esteem
- Limited parental support through illness, distance or other issues
- Bullying from peers
By providing an ‘at risk’ young person with a suitable mentor, they have the opportunity to:
- Develop a significant relationship with an adult who can offer support, advice and assistance
- Develop links with recreation and other positive social activities
- Strengthen and develop a positive self-esteem
- Help manage the transition from adolescence into adulthood and
- Experience a sense of belonging to individuals, family and the community
A mentor is a volunteer from the community who:
- Has undergone a police check and Working with Children check.
- Has completed the required training program.
- Has been successful in the interview and assessment process.
- Is able to access support via the Bayside Youth Mentoring Program Coordinator.
- Receives constant reviews during their role as a mentor.
- Is committed to the program and the young person (One - four hours a week, for up to two years).
A mentor is NOT a counsellor.
Families of the young person and the mentor are not involved in the visits or activities.
The role of a mentor is completely voluntary. There are limited reimbursements available.
Referrals for young people can be made directly to the program coordinator. Young people must be aware of and agree to the referral.
Enquiries for prospective mentors can be made direct to the program coordinator. An information pack and application form will be emailed or mailed out. INFORMATION NIGHTS for interested persons and MENTOR TRAINING are held on a regular basis.
Allan Snashall
Coordinator Bayside Youth Mentoring Programme
MacKillop Family Services
237 Cecil Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Telephone: (03) 9699 9177
Fax: (03) 9696 6496
Mobile: 0437 094 344
Email: allan.snashall@mackillop.org.au