By MELISSA MEEHAN
IT’S only an hour a week. But those few hours could change a young person’s life.
ECHO Youth and Family Services are in desperate need for mentors who can provide a “big brother/big sister” presence in a young person’s life.
Their program, in partnership with Emerald Secondary College, assists teens going through an unsettled time in their life by providing the support of a mentor.
ECHO staff member Kyria Perry said the mentor program was completely funded by the State Government and aimed to connect disengaged young people with their community.
“We’re aiming to connect young people with others who can provide some support, a different familiar face outside their usual family or friends,” Ms Perry said.
“We target kids that are in need of mentoring, whether it be because of low self-esteem, or another reason.”
Ms Perry said ECHO was looking for volunteer mentors aged 21 and over.
“It’s a six-month program, and only one hour a week,” she said.
“We look after all the paperwork and police and working with children checks.”
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor is asked to contact Ms Perry on 5968 4460.
