Calling for mentors

THE VOLUNTEERING Geelong Step by Step Volunteer Mentor Program needs mentors.
This is a great opportunity to share your valuable knowledge and experience with a person who has a disability and support them to develop the skills and confidence needed to be a volunteer.
No prior mentoring experience is needed, training is provided and the role is short term, around five hours one day per week for around six to eight weeks.
The Step by Step Volunteer Mentor Program was developed 18 months ago by Volunteering Geelong with the support of the City of Greater Geelong and Barwon Health.
The current program is supported by the City of Greater Geelong and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to assist their clients into volunteering.
The program was created in recognition of the barriers to volunteering that may be experienced by people with a disability and the support that community organisations may need to integrate the program and develop inclusive practices.
Volunteering Geelong is currently working with a number of community organisations like Diversitat who will be filling a volunteer administration role through the Step by Step Program.
Garry Gow, Manager Training and Education has recruited Ashley and Adam into his team. Following some training for Ashley, Adam and their mentor their new volunteer roles will commence in the next few weeks with the mentor supporting the transition period until Ashley and Adam are ready to fly solo.
Benefits for mentors include development or an extension of communication, organisation and leadership skills and an experience that will add to your own health and well-being or perhaps your CV. There is also the sense of achievement that you will gain by sharing your knowledge to support someone else’s goal.
To take the first step and become a mentor contact Lucinda Tucker at Volunteering Geelong on 5221 1377 or lucinda@volunteeringgeelong.org.au.