Looking to connect with your local community and have a spare hour or so a week?

United Synergies is looking for local people who are interested in offering mentoring support to young people on the Sunshine Coast to participate in their highly successful youth mentoring program run in schools in an area stretching from Mooloolaba to Cooroy.

The mentoring program aims to provide structured and trusting relationships bringing together a young person with a caring individual who can offer guidance, support and encouragement. Mentors are ‘matched’ with a student and meets with them at their school for between one and two hours each week. The matches are designed to encourage a successful mentoring partnership and take into account backgrounds, interests, skills and personalities. Activities planned between the mentor and the young person might include art and crafts; improving communication skills; resume writing and career investigation; learning new skills; or just hanging out together.

Connect2Mentoring coordinator Trent Harvison said mentors provided a positive role model and support, encouragement and guidance to help young people work towards creating their own optimistic future.

The program has been running on the Coast for nine years and last year matched more than 80 young people with local community mentors. Historically it has offered mentoring support only to high school students. However in the past year mentoring support has also been offered to year 7 students in local primary schools to assist with the sometimes difficult transition to high school.

Trent said mentors required no specific profile or set of skills, but rather were people from diverse backgrounds with a range of expertise and experience.

“The advice and support of people in the community who have met and survived the challenges that life may bring is invaluable to young people who are at risk of losing their way,” Trent said.

Mentors complete a free, short training course and gain skills which can be invaluable in all areas of life and work. The program will commence in February, in early Term 1.

If you are aged 18 or over, and want to give back to your community then the Connect2Mentoring Program may be for you. Mentors are needed to work with schools across the Coast –, at a school and a time that’s most suitable. All necessary training, ongoing support and other professional development is provided by United Synergies – a not-for-profit committed to making a difference to the lives of others.

For more information on the program phone Trent on 5442 4277 or visit www.unitedsynergies.com.au.

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