BIG Brothers Big Sisters Ballarat are looking for trusted adults to provide support for local children.<\/p>\n
Their goal is to have 30 mentors this year and Ballarat mentoring coordinator Jodie Downey said the joining with the organisation is an opportunity to change a life.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrained and supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentors are matched with a young person who will benefit from having a positive role model in their life,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mentoring role is to support and encourage a young person to develop socially and emotionally so they can become positive and productive.<\/p>\n
\u201cMentors report the experience teaches them invaluable skills they carry into their personal, professional and community lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each young person is matched to the most suitable mentor based on personality, shared interests, and geographic location.<\/p>\n
Once a week, the mentor meets with the young person to spend time together completing activities like bike riding, cooking, going to exhibitions or doing craft to build a strong connection.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look forward to working across the whole of the Ballarat community to create positive and meaningful change and hope you will support us by spreading the word about the need for mentors in our community,\u201d Ms Downey said.<\/p>\n