Youth Mentoring Program
Pathfinders Non-Placement Support Services Specialised Mentoring Program
Welcome to Pathfinders Non-Placement Support Services Specialised Mentoring program, a community-based mentoring program provided by Pathfinders! At Pathfinders, we believe in the power of sharing knowledge, skills, and life experiences to help guide young individuals towards achieving their goals. Our mission is to support and encourage vulnerable young people living across the New England and the Mid North Coast on their journey to developing their skills and abilities in their chosen interest area, with the support and encouragement of a specialised mentor with passion and experience in the same area. This program offers a unique approach as it has been tailored specifically to support young people who have experienced trauma.
What is a Specialised Mentor?
Mentoring is a dynamic and transformative relationship between a mentor and the young person. A mentor is someone who acts as a trusted advisor, role model, and guide, providing valuable insights and perspectives based on their own experiences. The main purpose of mentoring is to help young people develop their full potential, boost their self-confidence, and foster personal growth through shared learning.
Who is this service for?
Our mentoring program is designed for young people who could benefit from the guidance and support of a trained mentor. Our Specialised Mentors can work with young people between the ages of 12 and 24, though a fee for service partnership.
Our Mentoring Approach
At Pathfinders, our mentors are not expected to be counsellors, but they are compassionate and empathetic listeners who offer invaluable support and encouragement. We understand that every young person’s journey is unique, and we tailor our mentoring approach to suit individual needs. Our Specialised Mentors use a trauma informed approach with the young people they work with, which involves recognising and understanding the impact trauma has on individuals and their behaviours. Our mentors understand that many vulnerable people have experienced significant trauma and this affects their ability to engage with support services in a positive way.
Our Specialised Mentors use a trauma informed approach with the young people they work with, which involves recognising and understanding the impact trauma has on individuals and their behaviours. Our mentors understand that many vulnerable people have experienced significant trauma and this affects their ability to engage with support services in a positive way.
The Specialised Mentor will share their knowledge and passion of their own specified interest area with young people who have the same interest. The Specialised Mentor will provide appropriate support to the young person, based upon their shared interest with the overall purpose of growing the young person’s abilities in this area whilst simultaneously creating an appropriate mentor relationship.
Specialised Mentors develop a plan with the young person that outlines their goals and the steps to achieve them. Mentors use their knowledge to create a safe space for young people to not only achieve these goals but to overcome any obstacles or setbacks along their journey.
Join Pathfinders – Specialised Mentoring program today and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, growth, and achievement. Together, we will pave the way to a brighter future filled with endless possibilities.
Youth Mentoring FAQ’s
Who is suitable for mentoring?
Our mentoring program is designed for young people who could benefit from the guidance and support of a trained mentor. Our aim is to create meaningful and impactful relationships between mentors and young people, helping them navigate the challenges and decisions they encounter in their lives. If you are a young person seeking guidance and encouragement or a caring individual looking to make a meaningful impact as a mentor, we welcome you to be a part of our mentoring program and embark on a transformative journey of growth and mutual learning. Together, we can create a brighter future for our youth and inspire positive change in their lives.
Can’t find a mentor with the same interest?
Let us know, and we will try and find the right person with the skills and interests you’re looking for.
How do I apply to become a mentor?
Pathfinders Non-Placement Support Services Specialised Mentors are paid mentors. To apply, click here and download the Job Package from our website. In your application, you will need to include your statements against the selection criteria, an updated resume, your current Working With Children Check (Paid work), a National Police Check, and a copy of your driver’s license.
How much time do I need available to be a mentor?
Effective mentoring thrives on consistent and regular interactions between mentors and mentees. To ensure a meaningful and impactful experience, we request mentors to be available at a minimum three hours per week for their mentoring sessions. We understand that schedules may sometimes clash, and in such cases, both the mentee and mentor can communicate with our program staff to explore alternative arrangements that accommodate their availability. Flexibility is key to nurturing successful mentor-mentee connections, and we are here to support and facilitate these valuable relationships in any way we can.
Program Contacts
Non-Placement Support Service: Mentoring Program
109 Jessie Street,
Armidale NSW 2350
Mon – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Phone: 0428 057 845
email: npss@pathfinders.ngo
Registered Mentors
Max Larkin (28) :
Qualifications: Certificate III Commercial Cookery, Statement of Attainment in Accidental Counselling, First Aid, 200hr YTT (Yoga), Bachelor of Arts (sociology)
Hobbies and interests: Playing guitar, music, weights, running, reading history, physics and classical literature, yoga, writing, bushwalking, riding bikes, and drawing.