When children are six, their heroes often aren’t wearing capes. They’re usually a little closer to home – mum or dad, a big brother or sister who teaches them to ride a bike, and helps them navigate friendships and homework from school. When a child grows up without a consistent, positive adult presence, it can have a significant impact on their confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland works on the belief that every child deserves a fair shot at a good life, and part of this comes from having the right support system in place from a young age. By connecting young people aged six to twelve with dedicated, trained volunteer mentors, their MatchMakers Programme provides early intervention and care for children facing a range of challenges.
They match young people that have been referred to them with carefully selected and trained adult volunteer mentors who help build their confidence, resilience, sense of belonging and, ultimately, a stronger hope for the future. The difference this makes is backed by evidence. Research has shown that young people with a mentor are less likely to skip school, use drugs, or become involved in crime, and engage far more with their communities.
“It’s a simple concept,” says Nick Schanschieff, Programme Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland. “One hour, once a week, can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. We don’t ask our mentors to have a long list of qualifications or specialist experience. Our mentors come from all walks of life, ranging in age from young adults through to people in their 70s. What matters most is that they are caring, reliable and consistent, and genuinely want to make a positive difference in a child’s life.”
A $20,000 grant from The Trusts through the Your West Support Fund is helping expand that impact directly into West Auckland, allowing our dedicated mentoring coordinators to focus specifically on local tamariki. The funding covers the complete journey of a match, including mentor recruitment, child assessments, and training for whānau, plus monthly supervision across the critical first 12 months.
As the programme continues in the West, this support will directly help around 90 people, including the mentees, mentors, and their whānau, existing matches plus supporting a waitlist of children. The impact extends well beyond the individual; for every young person supported – together with their mentor – an estimated six others are positively affected, including caregivers, siblings, grandparents, peers, teachers, and the wider community.
The Trusts CEO Allan Pollard says backing initiatives like MatchMakers goes right to the heart of what the Your West Support Fund stands for.
“Having a reliable, positive mentor in your corner can alter the trajectory of a young person’s life,” says Pollard. “We’re proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland as they bring this vital support to more tamariki and whānau right here in the West.”
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland at bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz or follow them on Facebook.
If you or your organisation could use support from The Trusts, find out how to apply at thetrusts.co.nz/our-funds.
