About the program

The Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB) and MacKillop Family Services are working together to implement an exciting new mentoring program to assist young males and females from Aboriginal and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse* backgrounds to build links with firefighters and, in so doing, provide them with an opportunity to explore a career in the fire service 

The Firey Youth Mentoring Program (FYMP) aims to provide a mentoring service by MFB firefighters willing to volunteer their time to assist young people residing in the metropolitan fire district.

The FYMP program can assist young people who are:

                ·  Aged 16-30 years of age

·  Aboriginal or from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)* background

·  Reside within, or have links to the Metropolitan Fire District

·  Are referred from families, friends, schools or community agencies

 Young people referred to the program may face the following:

                ·  Cultural identity issues

·  Post traumatic stress issues

·  Racism and discrimination issues

·  Alienation on the basis of ethnicity

·  Bullying and harassment

·  Interpersonal conflicts or disruptions within their family or personal networks

·  Isolation from family, peers, school and/or community

·  Emotional or behavioral issues

·  Limited social skills and low self esteem

·  Limited parental support through illness, distance or other issues

By providing the young person with a suitable mentor, they have the opportunity to:

                ·  Learn about the fire service and fire fighting as a career

·  Learn about fire safety and prevention

·  Develop a significant relationship with an adult who can offer support, advice and

     assistance

·  Develop resilience and better coping mechanisms

·  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 

By being matched with a suitable mentee, an MFB volunteer mentor has the opportunity to:

·  Gain an insight into the mentee’s culture and community

·  Improve communication

·  Develop both interpersonal and leadership skills

·  Broaden their community networks and contacts.

 A mentor is a volunteer from the MFB who:

·  Has undergone a police check and Working with Children check.

·  Has completed the required mentor training program provided by MacKillop Family

  Services

·  Is successful in the interview and assessment process.

·  Will receive support via the Youth Worker attached to the program

·  Receives regular reviews during their role as a mentor.

·  Is covered by Work Cover and MFB insurance while engaged in mentoring activities.

·  Is committed to mentor a young person on a voluntary basis (one - four hours a week, for one year).

A mentor is NOT a counsellor.

Families of the young person 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.

To apply to become a mentor click here

 All enquiries to:

 Michal Wright

Youth Worker—Firey Youth Mentoring Program

237 Cecil St. South Melbourne VIC 3205

michal.wright@mackillop.org.au

Phone: (03) 9699 9177 or 0438 522 062

Fax: (03) 9696 6496

  * Exemption under VCAT order reference A212/2009