Mates mentoring

What is a mentor?  What are the benefits of being a mentor?   Here is an opportunity to help a young person in the community.

What is Mates mentoring

Relationship is critical to mentoring.  Our aim at Temcare is to link up one adult Christian with one young person in the community.  Regular contact is organised, activities planned and a relationship formed within a safe, caring and accepting environment.

Temcare Mates involves one to one mentoring or group mentoring. In the latter, volunteers are still matched one to one but attend monthly outings as a group.

Who are the volunteers

Mates volunteers are committed to the well being of young people.  They are Christians who bring their own life experiences.  Volunteers undertake an accreditation process which involves an interview process, police and character checks, training and a meeting with members of the Temcare committee.  Mates volunteers are also provided with ongoing support and training throughout the year.

What do you do?

In mentoring, relationships are formed through activities and time spent with a young person.  Watching a video, helping with some homework or even four wheel driving are just some examples of the many activities that can be organised.  Volunteers are reimbursed $10 for each contact to help cover some basic costs.  Many activities are free and Temcare will inform volunteers of local activities, discounts and free entry into different venues.        

“he always looks forward to seeing him and he is always happy when he gets home” (Caregiver of 13 year old boy)

What are the benefits?

The benefits are great for young people who join the program.  The support from a caring adult is positive and can have long term effects. 

“just being a friend" (boy, aged 13)

For volunteers, mentoring provides a way to develop life skills, meet other people and help with career choices.  It's a great way for a young person to spend regular time with an accepting adult.

Who can join?

For a young person between 10-15 years of age - a worker can be contacted on (03) 9790 6018.  A visit by the worker will explain more about the program and answer any questions.

For an interested volunteer - Christian adults interested in being a mentor can click on becoming a volunteer to submit an expression of interest online.  A worker will post you the relevant information and registration form.  Alternatively, a worker can be contacted on (03) 9790 6018.

To read the Mates Purpose and Objective statement, please click here.

 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  Galatians 2:20