Big Brothers Big Sisters started in 1904 in the United States and has extended to branches around the world.
Gisborne is the 13th branch in New Zealand.
Tiffany had to delay the recruitment drive due to Cyclone Gabrielle but with life getting back to normal, she is working hard to find the right people to take on the “big brother/big sister” roles.
Tiffany’s job is to recruit volunteers, take referrals and match the mentor with the child “to make the best match so we get longevity in the relationship”.
Referrals of young people to the programme must come from the family although the process can start with a school identifying youth who would benefit from the programme.
Mentors are required to spend one hour a week with their match over a 12-month period.
“It might be people who are retired. It could be after school or on the weekend. It’s just for one hour that you need to show up and do something fun,” Tiffany says.
The focus is on low cost or no cost — going for a walk, going to the park, spending time together rather than the activity.
Mentors will get a lot out of it, too, Tiffany says.
“Having a positive impact on a young person’s life can be very rewarding. One-to-one mentoring leads to measurable improved outcomes and can transform a young person’s life.
An interview of a potential mentor is followed by police checks and referee checks.
Tiffany will work with a steering committee, including Police Youth Services’ Sergeant Cath Jones, who will sit in on the interviews and do the police checks.
“It can take some time so I am just starting the process and want to get a few mentors on the books before the children start being referred,” Tiffany says.
Mentors receive training and professional support while BBBS staff are involved throughout, providing ongoing support and accountability to ensure the mentoring match is as safe and strong as it can be.
“I love the kaupapa of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the fact there’s a lot of data showing how beneficial it can be for children,” Tiffany says.
Young people who had gone through the BBBS programme had significantly increased their self-confidence, improved their relationships with adults, believed they were making better life choices and had a much more positive outlook.
“It’s all about building resilience,” Tiffany says. “It’s having that adult who takes an interest in your life. For kids to be able to value themselves, they need someone to actively value them.”
BBBS works with children facing adversity, whether it is financial hardship or living in a single parent home.
It is for children who would benefit from an additional supportive, consistent adult role model for whatever reason.
For more information go to www.bbbs.org.nz
