CareSouth is a community services organisation that runs Aunties and Uncles, foster care, NDIS and other services for youth and general community members across south-eastern New South Wales.

Our Aunties & Uncles Program links volunteer mentors with children aged 3 to 12 from families in the local community who could benefit from some extra support. Each child is given an opportunity to enjoy experiences with another adult or family. Volunteer mentors value the Aunties and Uncles relationship that develops over time, as well as the knowledge that they are making a valuable contribution to a child’s life.

Mentoring through Aunties and Uncles can make a real difference to children from vulnerable backgrounds. Families who are provided with this service may be isolated through lack of extended family supports, or might have experienced challenges in the past such as mental illness, separation and divorce, history of drugs and alcohol, or a history of domestic violence.

Volunteer Aunties and Uncles can come from all walks of life, single, married/partnered, and families. It is important that prospective Aunties & Uncles are able to relate well to children, and have the time to spend with a child to become a caring friend.

What the role involves

• Building a relationship with a child with the aim of spending some quality time together at least once a month
• Doing low-cost everyday activities with the child, which could take place in your home or out in the local community. There are many options depending on the child's and your interests, but it could include things like walking the dog, cooking a meal together, kicking a ball, or watching a movie together
• Providing transport as required to and from child’s home
• Working with your local Aunties & Uncles caseworker to ensure the smooth running of the link between yourself and the child

Benefits of becoming a volunteer mentor

• The rewards of being part of a child’s development
• Sense of contributing to the community and supporting a vulnerable local child
• Training provided
• Ongoing support and advice provided by CareSouth staff

Minimum requirements

• Aged 21 or over
• Satisfactory assessment by CareSouth staff
• Satisfactory Working with Children and Criminal Record Checks
• Attendance at orientation training and other training where necessary
• Driver’s licence and reliable vehicle
• Capacity to commit to being an Auntie or Uncle for a child for a minimum of 12 months

If you'd like to know more, please contact CareSouth on 1300 554 260, or email info@caresouth.org.au, or visit the CareSouth website.