Casey TigerSharks Swimming Club head coach Ben Hiddlestone and 11-year-old Chris were matched in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program more than a year ago.By Marc McGowan
HAVE you ever wanted a big brother or sister to help you out with a problem or just to spend time with?
You’re certainly not alone, with more than 70 young people waiting to be matched with a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Outer South East Melbourne (BBBS) program at the Casey ARC.
The goal of the program is to match vulnerable young people aged between seven and 17 with a suitable adult volunteer, who can act as a positive role model and provide additional support and friendship.
Casey TigerSharks Swimming Club head coach Ben Hiddlestone is one such volunteer, having teamed up with 11-year-old Chris more than a year ago.
“The word ‘mentoring’ appeals to me because I’m a head coach of a swimming club with 125 kids, all of who I’m mentoring to some degree and who are dealing with a lot of similar issues,” the Berwick resident said.
“I’m not expected to be the parent and am not expected to get involved in family issues – that sort of stuff is left to the BBBS staff, who are all social worker qualified.”
Mr Hiddlestone meets up with Chris on a weekly basis and their activities range from go-karting to the movies or even coaching a TigerSharks training session.
And Mr Hiddlestone is not the only staff member at the Casey ARC offering his time, with physiotherapist Drew McGuinness and triathlon coach Luke Colethorpe also involved.
A few of the BBBS staff members recently completed the Run Melbourne event, and raised $5000.
But more help is required, according to BBBS program coordinator Nett Bailey.
“Every time a volunteer comes through the door, we have to choose between all these young people and one of them gets lucky,” she said.
“Our vision is that every young person who needs a mentor has a mentor.
“This is only possible through more financial support and more volunteers signing up.”
Anyone interested in supporting the program as a financial partner or would like more information about volunteering can contact the BBBS staff at the Casey ARC on 9705 5033.
