Tom and Big Brother Ravi Narayan are both enjoying great satisfaction from the volunteer mentor program.
YOU might see 10-year-old Tom and Casey local Ravi Narayan out fishing or just simply hanging out together.
The only difference between them and others you might see out together is that Mr Narayan is Tom’s volunteer Big Brother.
The two have become great mates since being matched up through the mentoring program two years ago, and see each other every fortnight.
Mr Narayan said the rewards of being a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) had been incredible.
This year the YMCA and BBBS started the mentoring program, providing one-to-one support to young people living in the City of Casey.
Ten volunteers are currently being screened and trained as mentors.
“Watching this young person grow up in front of you and achieve personal successes not only fills you with a sense of pride but also with a level of satisfaction for being involved with such an incredible program,” Mr Narayan said.
Tom said he was having a great time, spending quality one-to-one time with his Big Brother.
“I like doing ‘guy’ things, fishing and hanging out,” Tom said.
His mother, Kris Day, said Tom had changed a lot since joining the program.
“He has definitely gotten a lot out of having a male role model,” she said.
“Hopefully it will make him a considerate, kind and caring man as he grows up.
“Tom and Ravi are best mates. Tom talks about him all the time.”
Casey ARC centre manager Amanda Ashton said the centre was excited about the new initiative, which aimed to support young people who had limited adult support.
She said this was the first time the YMCA and BBBS had joined forces to provide mentoring to young people in Victoria.
The new service was made possible through a two-year funding grant from The Helen Macpherson Smith Trust.
All going well, Ms Ashton said the model developed in the City of Casey would continue beyond the initial two-year period and would be replicated throughout Victoria.
“We are keen to hear from people like Ravi who are willing to be matched to young people in their local community,” she said.
People interested in finding out more about becoming volunteer mentors can contact Rocky at the YMCA on 9705 5033 or attend information session on Thursday, 31 August from 6.30pm to 8pm at the Casey ARC, corner Overland Drive and Princes Highway.
