Utilising the power of role models to make a difference for young people aged 10-17 years who are in contact with the youth justice and child protection systems
Providing young women and gender diverse people with healthy role models can increase their wellbeing, connection to community, and reduce their risk of future contact with the justice system. Through one-to-one mentoring, the Youth Frontiers Program links young people with a supportive female adult who can be a guide on their journey to becoming strong adults.
Each young person is linked to a mentor based on their personality, shared interests and location. Participants will connect at least once a fortnight to spend time together doing things they both enjoy.
The Youth Frontiers Program is delivered by YWCA Australia and Whitelion.
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Want to make a difference? Become a Youth Frontiers Volunteer Mentor
We’re currently seeking female mentors in the Illawarra region. If you’re aged over 18 and have a few hours a fortnight to give for a minimum of twelve months, you can make a difference to a young person. You don’t need any prior experience. Mentors will receive training and ongoing support to help them build a strong relationship with their mentee.
Want to refer a young person?
Youth Frontiers is accepting referrals for young women and gender diverse people, aged 10-17, living in the Illawarra region who have been in contact with the child protection or justice systems, or those who would benefit from a supportive adult. Refer a young person by completing this form and a Youth Frontiers team member will be in touch.
Become a preferred agency by emailing youth.frontiers@ywca.org.au.
Frequently asked questions
The mentor application process includes:
- Application
- Mentor interview
- Successful Working with Children Check, Police Check and personal reference checks
- Mentor Training Session
If successful, volunteer mentors will need to sign a mentoring agreement. Once accepted as a volunteer mentor the matching process begins.
The recruitment and screening process helps us get to know our mentors and mentees so we can link people who have shared interests and would be open to learning and trying similar things.
Youth Frontiers team members will discuss potential links with volunteers and young people waiting to be linked. A supervised meeting is then arranged between the volunteer and the young person. If everyone agrees, the link is made!
Pairs participate in one-on-one outings based on common interests. There are also options to socialise in Community Days. We encourage you to do activities that you both enjoy. You could go to events together, play sports, and get crafty or creative. We’ll regularly send you suggestions and opportunities so you can try something new together.
A fortnightly commitment of 2 – 6 hours for a minimum of 12 months.
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