The internationally renowned and highly successful mentoring programme Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is being introduced into the Manawatu, and will be actively supported by the Police and personnel from the Royal New Zealand Air Force based at Ohakea.
The programme has helped over 280,000 children around the world to reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships. Trained mentors from all walks of life are paired with a child aged between 7 and 17, and they volunteer between an hour and four hours a week for at least a year, undertaking activities they will both enjoy. The children come by way of referrals from a wide variety of services in the community as well as parents.
"The children are selected because they are in need of some positive, stable, independent and non-judgemental role models in their lives," said Dale Anderson, who has a social worker background and is contracted to the BBBS Manawatu Trust as the programme's coordinator. "Mentors get to be kids again for a few hours every month and all they are asked to do in return is be a friend to a fun-loving child."
Activities can be as simple as taking a walk, playing a board game, eating, talking, going to the movies or kicking a ball around.
All mentors are screened, trained, matched with a child with common interests, and provided with ongoing support to help ensure that the relationship is a safe and rewarding one.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force runs its own mentoring programme for staff and RNZAF Base Ohakea has agreed to allow up to five personnel from the Ohakea base time to be mentors for BBBS Manawatu. The Ohakea Mentoring Advisory Team will act as the conduit between the Base and BBBS Manawatu. Police will also be providing an active role with Feilding Youth Aid Officer Scott MacKenzie working eight hours each week as a case manager.
In addition Dale Anderson at BBBS Manawatu is keen to hear from anyone in the community who is 20 years or older and feels they would make a good Big Brother or Big Sister.
The Strengthening Family local management group has provided the start-up costs, and approaches will be made to local business and organisations to seek additional support.
"This programme is about families and our community and we are hopeful that the businesses and organisations within the community will get behind us and help more of our children to have a better tomorrow," says Ms Anderson.
Senior Sergeant Brett Calkin of Central District Police said: "We have no hesitation in supporting Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Manawatu. Children can so easily take the wrong path in life if they are not given the support to recognise their potential and make the right decisions. The rewards that BBBS can bring to children, their mentors and the community has been proven worldwide and we want the Manawatu to share in that positive experience."
To help mark the introduction of BBBS Manawatu the 'laid-back' cyclist Mike Avery is stopping off in Ashhurst during his fundraising tricycle trip from Bluff to Cape Reinga to show his support. The council manager from Hawera began his 35-day journey at Easter to raise money for the Taranaki BBBS programme which has been running since 2007 and has successfully matched over 50 children with mentors.
Mr Avery recently told his local newspaper: "There is nothing like changing your perspective on life like being involved with a young kid."
Invite to media: You are invited to join Mike Avery, Dale Anderson, Senior Constable Scott MacKenzie and Flight Lieutenants Lara Blackmore and Barb Finlayson for a photo/interview opportunity on Monday, 26 April at the Ashhurst Domain Cafe at noon.
Police media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.
BBBS Manawatu media enquiries or mentor enquiries should be referred to Dale Anderson on 0274 786 087.
RNZAF media enquiries should be referred to Flight Lieutenant Barb Finlayson on 06 351 5159 or 021 351 513.