Mentors

A mentor is a trusted adult friend with a consistent commitment towards the development of young people through guidance and support. Formal mentoring programs are focused on supporting the relationship between a mentor and a mentee and to give young people an opportunity to relate to adults on an equal basis.

What is the commitment required of a mentor?

The formal program lasts six months. During that time, a mentor is required to meet with their mentee fortnightly for two hours at a minimum with times/venues notified to the Coordinator.

Our mentors:

  • Are trustworthy
  • Are from all walks of life
  • Are respected role-models
  • Are people with a genuine liking for young people
  • Are non-judgemental
  • Have a commitment towards developing young people through coaching and feedback
  • Commit to allocating time to attend training
  • Have confidence in their own abilities
  • Have a willingness to share personal experiences with their mentee, where appropriate, to help in their development
  • Are skilled interpersonal communicators

What’s involved?

A detailed interview process and a thorough background check is a standard procedure for all would-be mentors. Once mentors have been through their first training session and meet all the criteria, they are matched with mentees based on same gender, and personalities and common interests. We make sure that we provide support along the way so that matches are sustainable and may even grow into lasting friendships.

What do we do together?

Getting together is a great time for both mentors and mentees. It doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activities; just a minimum of two hours each fortnight, sharing simple things you already enjoy, with a young person.

Things like…

  • Hitting a cricket ball
  • Playing a board game
  • Sharing a pizza
  • Taking a walk on the beach
  • Or just hanging out and talking

Sounds like you? The easiest and fastest way to get started is to complete the application form and it will be emailed to Cairns Youth Mentoring Scheme.

You'll also need to:

  • Have an interview and two reference checks
  • Obtain a ‘working with children check’ Suitability Card (Blue Card)
  • Attend the two-day weekend training session

If you would like to be part of the Cairns Youth Mentoring Scheme fill out our quick application form.

What mentors had learnt from the mentoring experience »