Within many of Tasmanian public schools the percentage of population of young people living on or below the poverty line can range from 50 - 75%+. Poverty brings about a whole range of challenges for our young people: homelessness, poor numeracy & literacy, low emotional and mental wellbeing, physical health, relational health, engagement and attendance with schooling, substance use to name just a few.

We don’t need to look to other countries to find impoverished, hurting young people that need help, we see so many struggling right here in our own communities, our own backyards. Can we fix the problem overnight? Of course not, but I tell you we can make a vast difference in the lives of many, one at a time in a very personal way and that is giving of our time to a young person and mentoring them. It truly makes a difference.

“Since being in the program I have calmed down a lot. I always used to be in trouble but my mentor has taught me how to stop and think before I do something. I get around my day better and wake up feeling really good to come to school. “ Yr 8 student

In some ways it seems impossible, how can just spending about an hour a week with a young person actually help them in todays world? Young people spell LOVE as T.I.M.E having someone just show up each week allows an avenue to simply stop, be heard and be accepted for just who they are. It helps them make sense of this world.

“Having a mentor to me is a big help and it means the world that I have had the opportunity to have someone who is there to listen and just give advice and a even bigger help that I am no longer keeping things to myself and am very grateful” Yr 9 student

Having someone in their corner each week makes a world of difference to the young person. It impacts their social & relational skills, emotional regulation, academic skills and helps get them ready for life.

“We have seen some great successes for our students involved in the mentoring program including improvement in social skills and communication; the development of meaningful, respectful relationships and real connections with a significant and consistent adult; the development and strengthening of resilience; improved behaviour; greater successes in learning; improvement in attendance; better conflict resolution skills; improved self esteem and confidence; an improved sense of safety and belonging; more clarity about their pathways and goals and a stronger sense of being seen, heard, valued and cared for.” Assistant Principal North TAS High School

Many of our mentors thought things like: “I’m too old, what do I have in common with young people?”, “ I have no idea what to do for an hour with a teenager!” or “I wasn’t very good at school myself what can I possibly offer?”. You may be thinking this right now, but I can tell you if you’ve got a pulse and you’re still reading this to hear then you have a LOT to offer a young person and YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. You have life experience and thats the most important factor, our training and ongoing support helps equip you with the rest.

Here’s whats in it for you:

“I have loved seeing her push through her barriers to complete tasks that she adamantly declared she could and would never do. Her smile when I told her how proud I was of her courage and persistance was absolutely priceless.” Mentor

"I need to share something funny with you. She had 2 friends with her this morning who wanted me to mentor them as well! I know Jamie joked it would happen one day.. But I couldn't imagine it happening anytime soon!! Made my day.. And I had a great session with my student today too." Mentor

“Gives me a fresh purpose in life” Mentor

Want to make a difference in the world of a young person right here in our own backyard?  Here's a special opportunity for you on February 17th & 18th in Launceston, TAS.

Teen Challenge Tasmania has been mentoring young people since 2013 in Northern Tasmania. Our Mentors have helped over 160 young Tasmanians flourish in very tough places during this time. We have seen young people that rarely engaged in school go on to further study and employment when this was never on their horizon before.

Mentoring Training workshops include: mentoring skills, communication skills, boundaries, goal setting, questioning techniques, strength mining & building, self care, mental health topics, bullying and more.

Please note this course is for dedicated mentors for the Connections Mentoring Projects in one of our participating primary or high schools only, if you are wanting to gain professional development in these areas then please apply for our Professional Development Mentor Training Workshops.

Training is conducted over two days. Total cost for training includes lunch, morning and afternoon teas and training manual. Training will be held at 90 St John Street, Launceston on the 17th & 18th January 2022, 9.00am - 4.00pm

Mentor Training participants from $249 per person Cost for 2 Day Training is $349 (non-mentor - I don’t want to be a mentor in your program just gain the skills) $249 (mentor - I want to be a mentor in your program) per person (should you have financial hardship and you are committed to being a mentor please do not let this stop you enquiring - just let us know) for more details on process to become a mentor check out our page here

For more information on Mentoring please visit our website