By Gill Cooper
Torquay mum Donna Goodacre believes her role as a mentor to younger mums adds value to her own life, since she joined Bump Geelong two years ago.
“I went into this to help others – I didn’t realise how much I would gain too,” Donna told the Indy.
The Bump program caters for mums under 23 who are pregnant or parenting – offering them advice, skills and social support.
Young mums are also encouraged build their skills and knowledge in budgeting, legal rights, education, and employment.
Mentors are experienced mums who catch-up with their mentees once a week for two hours over 20 weeks to chat and provide guidance when asked.
“It’s changed the way I’ve thought about certain things in my own life,” Donna said.
“I’ve learned real resilience and really appreciate how fortunate I am. It’s opened my eyes, seeing the struggles these girls face. I find it really rewarding.”
The mother-of-two has adult sons and has also been a foster mum for the past eight years.
She said her own mother fell pregnant at 16, which helped made her “relatable” as a mentor.
“I am very grateful for the support she was able to access then, so I’m happy to contribute now.”
Donna has just signed up for her third year with Bump, mentoring Jasmine Welsh.
Jasmine joined the program as a pregnant teenager and still lives with her own mum and step-father in Corio.
“It’s been great to watch Jasmine grow in confidence as mum and put things in place in her life,” Donna said.
Jasmine is now 19 and her baby Evie almost 14 months old. She is also looking forward to returning to the Bump program this year.
“I love it. Donna is a really good mentor,” she said. “I like all the different activities – especially the cooking, meeting other mums and the aromatherapy.
“The best part of the program for me is the advice and support and one-on-one time with Donna.”
“I’ve also made some wonderful friends in the group. We can talk to each other about what we are going through which really helps.”
Program counsellor Jo Ridgeway said at least 15 mentors are urgently needed to help run Bump in Geelong this year.
They participate in workshops and activities with young mums at Rosewall Neighbourhood Centre every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm.
“Qualities we seek in mentors are compassion, empathy, listening skills and being willing to support and encourage young mums,” she said.
“We’ll be running a two-day training course for mentors in Geelong on 11-12 February and applications are welcome.”
Raise also needs mentors for its youth mentoring program run at Grovedale Secondary College on Wednesdays.
For more information, visit raise.org.au/volunteer
