Power of Programs: Youth Mentoring: Connect-4

General Info

Connect-4 targets disadvantaged children and young people (aged 7-17) who live in the north western region of metropolitan Adelaide (City of Port Adelaide Enfield, City of Tea Tree Gully, and the City of Salisbury area) and who are on our Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list, who respond positively to group settings. Connect-4 provides these young people ('Crew') with the opportunity to participate in group activities (with an outdoors and adventure focus) in the company and support of positive adult volunteer / role model ('Captain'). Activities are formulated on a 1:3 ratio (adult: young people) and Captains receive support on the day from a Project Officer. Connect-4 activities focus on skills attainment through social integration with peers through team work and exposure to positive adult role models. Connect-4 Activities may include - indoor rock climbing, go-karting, strawberry picking, outdoor games, beach volleyball, day trips to Victor Harbour, ten-pin bowling, trip to an adventure playground, sandcastle building competitions and treasure hunts.

Background

For a number of years, the YWCA of Adelaide has successfully operated the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, an international, community based mentoring program. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a unique program with a focus on selecting high quality mentors from the community to provide regular (weekly), and long term support (minimum of 12-months) to disadvantaged young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters has life changing outcomes that have been well documented in evaluations and international research. To compliment Big Brothers Big Sisters, the YWCA of Adelaide has established the Connect-4 Group Mentoring project to service the children on our waiting list.

Are You Captain Material?

• Are you a mature and responsible adult?
• Do you have an interest in and ability to relate to children and young people?
• Have you got excellent interpersonal skills?
• Are you confident working in a group/ team environment?
• Are you able to take instructions from a Supervisor?
• Are you willing to make a minimum commitment of three activities a year? (approx. 4-5 hours each session)
• Are you willing to undertake our screening and selection process?

We are still looking for people to become mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Please call 08 8203 9400 for more information or email bbbs@ywca.com.au.

How can I help?

You can get involved:

• As a corporate sponsor to expand the program and to help more 'unmatched' young people on our waiting list
• As a volunteer mentor
• With fundraising
• With promotion, advertising and marketing
• To organise group outings

Contact the Youth Mentoring Team to inquire on getting involved or to request an information pack

Address: 17 Hutt Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8203 9400
Fax: (08) 8203 9498
Email: mentor@ywca.com.au

I would like to donate to Connect-4...

Partners

Connect-4 Group Mentoring Project is supported by: The City of Port Adelaide Enfield, Community Benefit SA, Adelaide Bank Charitable Foundation, Crows Foundation, YWCA of Adelaide and private donors.

Forms

Application Form

BBBS Fact Sheet

Volunteer Screen and Support Overview

Website development was funded by the
Mental Health Council of Australia