Program aims for resilient youth

By Kelly Yates and Bridget Brady
OLYMPIC Gold Medallist Brooke Hanson shared her mentoring experiences at the state-wide launch of YMCA Youth Mentoring.
The new mentoring program is set to break new ground in services to young people, with the cutting-edge mentoring model designed to have major, long-term impact on vulnerable young lives.
The Australian swimming star spoke about experiences with mentoring throughout her swimming career at the official launch on Friday 11 December at Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre (Casey ARC) in Narre Warren.
Twenty-five years involvement in youth mentoring in Australia has helped YMCA youth mentoring manager David White in the implementation of the innovative program which aims to build strong and resilient young people through the development of long-term, meaningful relationships with adult volunteers who offer support, guidance and understanding.
The young people targeted are disadvantaged or at risk of disengaging from education, training and the community.
Mr White said he was happy to see the youth mentoring program started in Casey.
He said YMCA looked closely at the demographics in Casey and noticed there was a high sole-parent rate in the municipality, and believed there were a lot of young people who needed some additional adult support.
Mr White said the suggestion that young people did not get involved in the community was proved wrong by the number of enthusiastic young adults who had signed up to be mentors.
“It is clearly not the case here,” he said.
Mentor Bianca Kawalec from Endeavour Hills, 27, said she first discovered the mentoring program while at a local library.
“I wanted to take part as it was an opportunity to give something back to the community,” she said.
Berwick resident Nathan Talbot, who is also a mentor, said he was looking forward to building relationships with the youth involved.
“Teen years are tough so hopefully I can provide a support network,” he said.
Representatives from local schools, businesses and community groups as well as local government and Victoria Police attended YMCA’s Youth Mentoring launch.