Wanted: Good blokes
The aims of a newcampaign being launched today are to finally overcome an ongoing shortage of youth mentors in Taranaki and to help some good blokes find new mates along the way.
The mentoring organisation Big Brothers Big Sisters of Taranaki is hoping at least “12 good blokes” from around the region will sign up to take on a “little brother”, but it is open to signing up double that, or triple if possible.
The long-running programme is chronically short of volunteers to meet a massive need across the region for adult men and women to spend one hour a week with children in need of a mate.
The biggest need is for men to brother up with boys, many of whom are often without male role models in their life.
Don Lumsden of New Plymouth started volunteering with the organisation just seven months ago after thinking he should match his wife in contributing to his community.
“I just couldn’t think of a better cause,” he said.
The father and grandfather now spends an hour a week with his young “brother” and reckons he’s also found a good pal.
“It’s just one hour a week, and we do all sorts of things. The more you get to know them, the more they become like your own brother.”
Police officer Jeremy Bennetts has been a volunteer big brother for three years.
He helps his young friend to get out and about and do things he might not otherwise do around New Plymouth, and he said it was a genuine brotherly relationship with an emphasis on having fun.
“It just makes you feel good that you are doing something positive. Obviously, with my job, you see a whole lot of harm in the community, so to be a positive role model is massive.”
For Jack Turner, it’s about making a difference. The draughtsman has been with the organisation for six years and has formed a strong enough relationship with his brother that he invited him to his wedding.
He said people often complained about “the youth” but did not think about how they could help. The programme offered a way in.
“One person, one kid – you can do something right now in the community ... You are not going to change the world, but you are going do something that will help one person.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters programme leader Will Hartzenberger said the time mentors and young participants spent together didn’t need to involve “bells and whistles”.
He recommended free activities such as a walk on the beach, kicking a ball, going to the pool or even changing a tyre. The activity played second fiddle to the act of being there.
“Having someone who is there consistently, no matter what – that is what’s important. It’s not about dealing with the issues. It’s about being there so they can be themselves,” he said.
The charity needs men and women for school-based mentoring, which happens during school hours, and for community-based mentoring outside school hours.
Communication lead Laura Leadbetter said the waiting lists of young mentees were long and it was hoped that more than 12 adult volunteers from across the region would sign up.
Big Brother Big Sister provided mentors with support to prepare them for the role, which was designed to be able to fit into the lives of busy people.
“It just makes you feel good that you are doing something positive. Obviously, with my job, you see a whole lot of harm in the community, so to be a positive role model is massive.”
Jeremy Bennetts