WAM mentors are good listeners who trust that women are the experts of their own experiences. Mentors believe in a community that is safe and welcoming for all women and find that their own lives are enriched by engaging with participants. WAM mentors are carefully selected, screened, and trained before working in the program. Each mentor has regular contact with the program coordinator and other WAM mentors. Key functions of the mentoring role are:

1. Support: A key aspect of the mentoring role is to provide emotional support. To this end mentors focus on listening carefully and attentively to their participant and to focus on hearing the issues and difficulties rather than fixing them. Mentors adopt an attitude of walking beside their participant, rather than leading them.
2. Practical Assistance: Mentors may assist participants with practical tasks related to their court appearance, such as getting to appointments, utilising appropriate community support services, managing debt, negotiating with Centrelink, landlords, etc. They may also assist with practical tasks related to everyday living, such as maternal and child health visits, schooling of children, or moving towards personal goals such as enrolling in English/literacy classes.
3. Boundaries: The mentor functions as a model of good communication skills, of functional and legal behaviour. The mentor needs to be able to gently challenge problematic behaviours without appearing judgmental or authoritarian. It is essential that the mentor displays law-abiding behaviour at all times and sets appropriate limits.
4. Social connectedness: Mentors work with program participants on connecting with the community around them. Mentors may create opportunities for experiences such as attending a playgroup or creative endeavour.

Each mentoring relationship is unique. Activities of mentoring relationships might include but are not limited to: • Attending court together • Planning for appointments / time management • Strategies for managing stress • Assistance with studies, finding work, or exploring options • Learning from one another • Skill building and advocacy • Linking in with other community supports • Experience another way of looking at things • Coffee and a chat • Brainstorm a range of ideas to solve a problem • Walk or exercise together • Improving self-esteem • Find and participate in recreational activities