Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the leading community-based mentoring program in Western Australia. The program is based on the development of a long-term, supportive, one-to-one friendship between an adult volunteer and a young person aged 7-17. By spending time with a responsible adult and doing everyday activities, the young person is able to explore different skills and experiences. This increases their sense of self worth, improves relationships and encourages a healthy development within their home, school, and wider community.
Click here to read more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia, find out about the success of mentoring and the stories of existing matches.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters
Our Bigs come from all walks of life. Bigs need to be
- fun, and want to hang out with young people
- reliable, healthy and aged 18 or over
- living in the Perth metropolitan area
- able to meet with a Little 3 to 4 times per month for a minimum of 1 year
- willing to attend training sessions and group outings a few times a year
Being a Big is a privilege and not everyone who applies will be accepted. All Bigs must go through screening, which includes:
- Interviews
- Reference Checks
- National Criminal Record Check
- Working With Children Check
- Home Assessments
- Training Modules
Screening should take between 2 to 4 months depending on your availability and when your application is lodged. Most components of screening will take place at the YMCA Head Quarters Youth Centre in Leederville.
To apply please download the position description and volunteer application form below.
DOC BBBS position description form
DOC BBBS volunteer application form
Big Brothers Big Sisters is based on the simplicity and power of friendship. Our Mission is to see that every young person who needs a mentor has a mentor. Your Support is vital for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Perth to expand and continue to make more life changing matches in Western Australia. Sponsorship and donations are always welcome.
Little Brothers and Little Sisters
Our Littles come from a range of different home environments, families and cultural backgrounds, however all of them share the need for a positive adult influence in their lives. Young people referred to the program may:
- be lonely
- find it hard to keep friends
- have trouble connecting with relatives
- experience difficulties at school
- need extra support and guidance from an adult
Young people can be nominated by
- a parent / legal guardian / primary caregiver
- a friend or family member
- a professional worker within the community service sector
- themselves
A number of tasks will be completed during the nomination process, including
- young person application form
- school information sheet
- professional referral form (if applicable)
- child/family assessment at the young persons home
If Big Brothers Big Sisters seems like the best program for the young person they will be placed on a waiting list. Finding the right Big can take some time. Bigs are carefully selected based on location, personality and common interests or hobbies. Anyone interested in nominating a young person should contact the friendly staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Not all young people will be eligible for the program and due to program restrictions it is not guaranteed that a match will be made.
Note: The waiting list for young people is currently full in some suburbs.
For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit the HQ website or contact us using the details below.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Perth
Address: 60a Frame Court, Leederville WA 6007
Tel: (08) 9227 0479
Fax: (08) 9328 3053
Email: bbbs@ymca.org.au
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