Definition of Youth Mentoring
Youth mentoring is a friendship between a more experienced person and a young person aimed at encouraging and supporting the young person to achieve their goals.

Youth mentoring programs can vary in their delivery but there are some common key elements that define youth mentoring. Youth mentoring:

• Is voluntary for young people and mentors
• Focuses on prevention from harm
• Adopts empowerment approach to young people
• Provides a structured relationship between young person & mentor
• Involves positive role modelling
• Is ‘safe’ for all involved

How does Youth Mentoring Work
A young person (up to the age of 25) is ‘matched’ with a mentor. They meet on a regular basis and spend time together. This may involve doing fun activities like having a meal together, going to the movies, playing sport, visiting workplaces or building or making something. Over time a relationship is built between the young person and mentor that is supportive and encouraging, and enables positive personal growth for the young person.

There are different ways that youth mentoring programs are delivered in practice. The different models include:

• School-based
• Community-based
• E-mentoring
• One-to-one mentoring
• Group mentoring
• Peer mentoring

For more information about these models please click here.

Benefits of Youth Mentoring
Evidence suggests that youth mentoring positively impacts on the lives of young people and mentors. Research claims that young people involved in youth mentoring are less likely to engage in harmful activities, like crime, drug or alcohol abuse, and are more likely to improve their relationships with family, peers, and teachers. Young people are likely to improve their academic performance and develop the resilience to cope with challenges in their lives.

Youth mentoring has improved the lives of many young people. To read some their stories please click here.

Get Involved
You can get involved in youth mentoring either as a young person (mentee) or as a volunteer mentor. To find a program near you please click here.

Why become a mentor? Mentors gain a lot from youth mentoring. You get the opportunity to use your skills and experience to help a young person realise their potential. You get to play an active role in your community and learn new skills.