WHAT IS MENTORING? Mentoring is in-between that of a friendship and a professional relationship. Mentees often refer to their Mentors as their ‘guide’, ‘role model’ and ‘go-to person’. Mentoring is not case management or counselling, rather it is empowering a Mentee to find and implement their own solutions whilst enhancing their social supports and networks.

We are looking for diverse women aged 25 - 45 years who live who live in the Illawarra Region, Coffs Harbour, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Western Sydney, Fairfield and Guildford (or be prepared to travel to these areas). Once the volunteer mentor is matched with a mentee they will coordinate between themselves a suitable location to meet for their catch-ups.

The Volunteer Mentor will need to be nonjudgmental, compassionate, have time to devote and have the capacity to commit 12 months and be flexible with their time. They must also be able to attend on-line training on the 14 and 15 October 2022.

Submit your Expression of Interest online using the line that will be provided by return email when submitting your interest in this role online. You will also be provided with an email address for more information. Applications Close: 7 October 2022

THE MENTORING ROLE INVOLVES: The Mentor assists the Mentee to gain the necessary skills, confidence and direction to overcome life’s obstacles and avoid the possibility of incarceration, particularly during vulnerable periods in adolescence.

● Support The primary function of a Mentor is to create a culturally safe and supportive professional relationship. Mentors need to create a relationship that is thoughtful, non- judgemental, respectful, practical and consistent. The relationship aims to meet the needs of the mentee.

● Role Model The Mentor functions as a role model to demonstrate appropriate ways to communicate and behave. The Mentor will guide behaviour change through role modelling in a non-judgemental manner and positive way. The mentor is to be reflective of the interactions they have with Mentees.

● Practical Assistance Mentors can provide practical assistance to support a Mentee’s reintegration into the community. This may include attending meetings or appointments at various government agencies and services such as: Probation and Parole, Centrelink or legal appointments. Assistance may also be provided by attending day-to-day community environments, such as shopping malls and educational institutions. The provision of practical assistance requires clear boundaries as the main focus is to improve the mentee’s level of competence in their own skills.

Being a mentor, you will receive and learn so much from your mentee and you will:

• Contribute towards building safer and more just communities
• Contribute towards creating a greater sense of belonging for women in the local community who have had little opportunity for inclusion
• Make a difference to the lives of women who have histories of marginalisation
• Develop awareness regarding the difficulties faced by women exiting custody or at risk of going to prison
• Enhance personal development opportunities by learning new skills.
• Increase local community networks and links
• Be part of a Project that aims to make a difference

Benefits:

Our current volunteer mentors describe how being a mentor enriched their lives and describe what they have learnt from the experience.

"I feel I have contributed to a worthwhile organisation and mentee, I feel good about that. My mentee is so good. I have really understood patience through her, how little things matter a lot and appreciate what you have, your life’s experiences, challenges and joy." - Chris

"Being there for someone in a positive way is really rewarding. I've learned how resilient and strong women are even when faced with traumatic life experiences. I have been able to see first hand the impacts of childhood trauma and its relation to adverse life outcomes. The good thing though, is past experiences that lead individuals down the wrong path isn't definitive, people just lost their way, and seeking a mentor can help the process to get back on the right path." - Cassandra