Looking for more brothers, sisters
A mentor information evening will be held in Napier tomorrow night to highlight the benefits and attract more mentors to the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) programme relaunched in Hawke’s Bay last September.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters programme matches a volunteer Big Brother or Big Sister with a child who could benefit from a one-to-one relationship with a caring adult. They match children ages six to 12 with mentors in a professionally supported one to one relationship. They can stay matched until the young person is 18.
Children who spend time with a mentor gain confidence, acquire new skills and competencies and develop an enhanced capacity to care for others. Since the relaunch, they have made 20 matches. The programme requires a commitment of at least one year and while on the programme the matches meet for at least one hour every week.
BBBS’ longest standing match, established before they relaunched, is Big Sister and Little Sister Lisa and Emily. This match is coming up to eight years in September and in December Emily will be turning 18, so the programme will come to an end for them. Lisa and Emily have formed a bond over the eight years that they have been matched, sharing a lot of quality time together and helping one another through some highs and some lows, says case manager Patricia Small. Although they will officially come off the BBBS programme they plan to keep in contact on a regular basis.
Alasdair and Kaine are another match that has been on the programme for almost four years. Kaine just loves hanging out with Alasdair, he says.
“It isn’t always about doing stuff — it is more about talking and sharing ideas.”
Patricia feels it is an incredible achievement that matches have lasted so long.
“Our volunteers benefit from a sense of fulfillment and personal growth, and mentored children are introduced to new experiences, they get to share positive values, which can help avoid negative behaviours and lead to positive choices later in life.”
She says there is always a demand for caring adults that want to become mentors.
“We particularly need more Big Brothers as the demand for them is always great. However as BBBS only relaunched last year we are still trying to raise awareness in the community about our organisation,” Patricia says.
■ Mentor Information Evening, Thursday, August 23, Greenmeadows East Community Hall, 6.30pm onwards. Anyone who may be interested in becoming a mentor can come along to learn more about BBBS and what the programme involves.