We are Christchurch's largest mentoring organisation, providing regular long term opportunities and support to vulnerable children right here in our city.
Our awesome volunteer mentors are every day adults who build simple and strong friendships with their young people. Having a reliable, solid, adult friend and role model to learn from builds resilience, confidence and self esteem, helps young people to see their potential and ensures they have somone beside them as they navigate life.
This results not only in happier and more connected children and communities, but reduced offending and anti-social behaviour, early parenting, drug and alcohol taking. Thanks to our incredbile volunteers our children have the opportunity for good mental health, to be healthier, happier, have higher academic achievements, job preparedness, confidence, self esteem, resilience and overall success!!!
Our program is so successful in achieving brighter futures, for every $1 invested in a young person on our program, there is a staggering $18 social return to New Zealand's economy. Mentoring our city's vulnerable young people is not only a win win for them but for our whole community.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR ADULT VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM!!!!
Volunteers must be 18 years or over.
Be willing and able to make the commitment to a child aged between 6 to 12 for a minimum of 12 months.
Be available for 1 mentoring session each week where you spend time and do activities that you both enjoy (1 to 2 hours max).
Be open to building a relationship with our staff so we can provide you with the support to be a successful and safe in your role
Our children do not have high or complex needs, they just need time, friendship and a little bit of extra care shown due to the circumstances they live in.
Activities can be anything you both enjoy......that are free or low cost, such as walking the dog, bike rides, going for a hot chocolate, shooting hoops, baking, arts and crafts, walks, singing, playing at the park, board games - It's all about doing things you both enjoy and just spending regular time together, one-on-one.
We provide full training and our staff are available for contact and support at any time.
Mentoring sessions can be during work / school hours, after work / school, or at the weekends......it's up to you!
The process of becoming a Big, includes an info session to find out more about us, followed by a police / background check, interview and training evening. On average it takes up to about 8 weeks to complete the application process.
If YOU are a good friend and have time once a week to give one of our young people, we'd love to hear from you!
Unable to volunteer, we undertsand instead, you may considder a donation to support more young people to benefit from our program.
For more info about our mentor programme please check out the attached video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvRsXVPYljk or visit our website at https://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz/christchurch
The ability to relate to children and have fun!
Consistent and reliable.
Good character.
Dependable.
Honest.
Fun-loving.
Committed to open communication.
1 hour or 1 session each week for a minimum of a year.
Getting started:
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Ref: 16
Youth & Children
Applicants for this role are required to undergo Police vetting.
You can find out more about this process on the Police website:
http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/businesses-and-organisations/vetting/information-about-vetting
Requirement under the vulnerable childrens act for working with children