Berry Street is the largest independent child welfare organisation in Victoria. We support thousands of children and young people, who have been denied the most vital ingredient for human development – a good childhood. Berry Street never gives up in doing whatever it takes for these kids because they believe that all children have the right to grow up in families and communities where they feel safe, nurtured and have hope for the future.
Engage!
The Engage! program offers tailored group-based programs based on increasing youth participation in their communities through interest-based activities, volunteering, peer mentoring and skill development. Sessions are offered weekly in Latrobe City. The Engage Program is designed to assist young people (aged 12-17 years) who: are interested in participation and engaging in social activities in areas that they identify. that may complement other current community events. can identify other areas of interest for workshops or events such as art, photography music, or other activities lead by young people that provide positive engagement and community participation. would enjoy or value developing their leadership skills with the support of adult and peers networks Through group activities, young people (aged 12-17 years) will further develop their own skills as well as their connection to their communities with the support of a social network. The Engage! program offers a variety of opportunities for: Pathways Development: Setting personal goals Establishing links within the community Development of confidence and leadership skills through community participation Personal Development: Increased feelings of confidence and self-worth Greater resilience in facing challenges Improved decision-making skills. Social Development: Relationship building and improved social skills with peers Improved self-esteem and confidence with communication A sense of achievement, fun, and connection to others Target Groups: Young people aged 12-17 years who are: Living in the Latrobe Valley Early school leavers or at risk of leaving school early Socially isolated or not connected to community supports or resources Indigenous Experiencing drug and alcohol related issues Juvenile Offenders or those facing court Experiencing mental health issues or have special needs Living independently or preparing to become independent If you are interested in receiving information regarding how to become a Mentor within this program, or how to make a referral please contact: Jessica Brooks Engage! Project Worker T: (03) 5134 5971 37 Elgin Street | PO Box 919 Morwell Vic 3840 E: jbrooks@berrystreet.org.au
Whitelion Leaving Care Mentoring
Are you aged between 15 and 18 years of age and currently reside in out-of-home-care? Would you like some support in developing skills and knowledge to prepare you for independent living? The Whitelion Leaving Care Mentoring program can match you with a Mentor who will assist you in your transition to independent living. This may take the form of helping you in areas such as: Cooking Cleaning Health Budgeting and money matters Sexual health Personal hygiene Social development Education and employment Parenting skills and support Tenancy and accommodation, and Accessing Government services If you are interested in receiving information regarding how to become a Mentor within this program, or how to make a referral please contact: Kylie Dubrich-McLoughlin Whitelion Leaving Care Mentoring Project Worker T: (03) 5134 5971 37 Elgin Street | PO Box 919 Morwell Vic 3840 E: kdubrichmcloughlin@berrystreet.org.au
The Transport Accident Commission, (TAC), funded VicRoads L2P – Learner Driver Mentor program assists learners under 21 years of age, without access to a supervising driver or vehicle, to gain the 120 hours of logged driving experience required to apply for a Probationary Licence. Young people are matched with a fully licensed volunteer Mentor, and use a sponsored vehicle to gain supervised driving experience. L2P is not professional driving lessons, and L2P does not pay for the Probationary driving test itself. As a young person, to join the L2P program you will need to be: Between 16 and 20 years of age A current Learners permit holder Without access to either a vehicle, supervising driver, or both. Learner Drivers can refer themselves or be referred by parents, schools, community or other organisations. To become a volunteer Mentor within the L2P program, you will need to be: Interested in helping young people Over 21 years of age A current full Victorina drivers licence holder Screened by the Coordinator of the L2P Program Volunteer Mentors undertake a free comprehensive training program to become Learner Driver Mentors. Additional details regarding the L2P Program can be located at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/L2P If you are interested in receiving information regarding how to become a Mentor within this program, or how to make a referral please contact: Jennifer Murray L2P Project Worker T: (03) 5134 5971 37 Elgin Street | PO Box 919 Morwell Vic 3840 E: jmurray@berrystreet.org.au
