Big Brothers Big Sisters is a preventative program which provides young people aged 7 to 25 years with a caring adult mentor in their lives, someone to confide in and look up to.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is based on the simplicity and power of friendship. It matches vulnerable young people with a volunteer adult who can be both a role model and a supportive friend.

There are Big Brothers Big Sisters organisations around the world including the USA, New Zealand, Bermuda, Poland, Bulgaria, The Netherlands, Ireland, Israel, Russia, South Africa and Canada. It is the largest and most prominent provider of mentor services internationally. It has been operating in Australia for more than 30 years.

We define mentoring as a one to one relationship between a young person and volunteer with the expectation that they will meet regularly for a significant amount of time in order to reach positive youth development outcomes.

Young People

The Program is designed to be of greatest assistance to young people who are isolated and need additional adult support and friendship. Young people referred share the need for someone in their life to help strengthen self-worth and relationships at home and at school.

Volunteer mentors

Our volunteer mentors come from all walks of life, whether married, single, with or without children. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are not replacement parents or social workers, but mentors: someone to trust, to have fun with, to talk and go to when needed.

The Commitment

Volunteers commit to spending 1-4 hours with young people 3-4 times each month for at least twelve months.

This involves doing simple activities such as having a picnic at a park, cooking, playing basketball, going to a football match - activities that enhance the friendship and contribute to an environment where the young person can develop positive self-esteem and life direction.

The Process

After an initial information session which all interested volunteers are required to attend, there follows a very detailed volunteer selection procedure. This includes: submitting an application form, citing four references, a police check, a psychological test, comprehensive interviews, and a home visit by a coordinator.

There is also training before and after being matched to a young person.