Volunteer – Big Brother Big Sister Mentor

Foróige’s Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Programme is a mentoring programme that matches an adult volunteer to a young person of the same gender. Its core assumption is that a caring and supportive friendship will develop and reinforce the positive development of the young person. In Big Brothers Big Sisters, the relationship is known as ‘the match’. The match meet once a week for one to two hours, and the initial commitment is for one year. This match between the volunteer and young person is the most important ingredient of the intervention. The main goal of the match is the development of the relationship between the young person and adult volunteer. Once this relationship has been established Foróige’s BBBS programme can address the needs of the young person that have been identified through the intake process. For example, goals might be related to learning a new skill or hobby, school attendance, academic performance, relationship with other young people or siblings or general hygiene. However, the foremost goal is to develop the match friendship itself. The match will have a combined approach of meeting online and in person.

About Us

Big Brother Big Sister matches a young person (10-18 years), in need of friendship and support, to a caring adult volunteer mentor. They meet once a week, for an hour or two, and the initial commitment is for one year. The E-Mentoring programme is a combined approach of online and inperson meetings. Weekly meetings include activities that they both enjoy like sports, computers, music, art and craft etc Through these weekly meetings a friendship is formed. Matches are of the same gender and are supported by professional staff.

Activity

Youth work

Where

Kildare, South Dublin and Wicklow

What’s Required

The volunteer mentor should be outgoing & friendly with a positive outlook. They should also have good communication & interpersonal skills. Must be a good listener & be able to encourage & promote a young person’s self esteem. Must be able to relate well to young people.

Age Restrictions

Over 18

Screening Details for this Role

Formal Interview;References;Application Form;Identification Check (photo ID etc…)