Youth Mentor/Tuakana
Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Christchurch managed by Volunteering Canterbury
Are you keen to make a real difference in the life of a child in your community - just by being yourself?
Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for caring, reliable adults to become Youth Mentors (Tuakana/Bigs), supporting tamariki aged 6–12 through our community based or school based mentoring programmes.
Being a Youth Mentor is incredibly rewarding. It's great personal development and good for your physical and mental health too!
As a Youth Mentor you will be professionally matched with a child, you will spend one hour a week together building a positive trusting friendship, through simple every day activities and shared interests.
The time you spend can either be out and about in the community (after school or at the weekends), or in school during term time.
Activities are low key, low cost, fun and easy - like walking the dog, baking, playing sports, arts and crafts, walks, board games, tinkering about or simply hanging out and talking. What matters most is showing up, being consistent and having fun together.
The gift of mentoring ensures tamariki can step out of their lives each week, engaging in fun activities and learning about their interests with a trusted role model and adult friend. Mentors gently open doors to new experiences, encourage and support their young people to explore the community, developing their confidence, resilience, skills and building healthy pursuits.
We provide full training, fun Mentor/Mentee and Mentor only events. And our experienced staff will walk beside you, providing regular monthly check in’s, guidance, resources and support.
The role is open to people from all walks of life – working professionals, retirees, empty nesters, students, tradies and more. You don’t need any special skills or experience, just a little time and a BIG heart.
To apply you must be 18 years or older, live in Christchurch (or come into the city weekly for work), and to be able to commit a year of journeying with your mentee.
The process of becoming a Youth Mentor (Tuakana/Big) takes about 6 to 8 weeks and includes an informal information session either at our office in Woolston or on Zoom.
If you have one hour to give a week, this could become the most rewarding part of your week – and a turning point in a child’s life.
What we need from you: 18 + Live in / or work in Christchurch Permanent or returning resident status One hour a week to give