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Big Brothers - Big Sisters is based on the simplicity and power of friendship. By providing well-screened and trained volunteer mentors, we aim to support young people who are most at risk of falling into patterns of self-destruction and despair.
"I hope that I can make my Little Sister feel about herself what my mum did when I was her age, that I am the most important person in the world, and that I can do anything."
- Jacinta, Big Sister (name changed to protect identity)
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Life long relationships...
Big Brothers - Big Sisters (BB-BS) is a preventative mentoring program with an international history of success spanning 100 years. In Melbourne, the Program was established in 1982 and has since been very successful in facilitating life-changing friendships for approximately 2,000 marginalised young people between the ages of 7 and 17.
Caring for young people at-risk...
Young people referred to the Program come from a range of backgrounds. They may be in sole parent families or are feeling alienated from their peers. Many have faced traumatic situations early in life, and may be manifesting destructive behaviours. By providing young people with friendships where they feel understood, accepted and respected, the Program seeks to foster positive change in self-esteem, attitudes, and relationships.
... through mentoring
"Big Brothers" and "Big Sisters" are matched one-to-one with their "Little Brother" or "Little Sister", and commit to spending 2 to 6 hours each week with their match, for at least 12 months. These matches are recreation-based, where activities that are fun, simple, and low-cost are undertaken to build trust and enhance friendship.
All volunteers undergo a comprehensive screening and training process that includes interviews, a police check, and psychological test. The matching process is carefully administered to create matches that are safe, suited to the young person's needs, and built to last. Ongoing support is also provided through regular contact with professional staff, and other volunteer mentors.
At present, more than 100 young people are enjoying the benefits of having a Big Brother/Sister, with an ongoing average duration of 23 months. One friendship that began within the Program has been going strong for 15 years.
... and community support
The demand for Big Brothers and Big Sisters is high. More than 200 young people are on our waiting list, needing additional adult support.
The screening, training, matching and supervision process requires time and resources. We need your help. Big Brothers - Big Sisters relies greatly on the community to enable it to provide supportive friendships to young people who need friendship the most.
Your donation will contribute greatly to our efforts to break the cycle of despair among our young people - and this cycle CAN be broken. After twenty years of service, we are delighted and proud to now have among our Big Sisters, a former Little Sister who wants to give something back.
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