Mentoring

Target Settings

YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE

  • Youth Residences
  • Family Group Homes
  • Youth Residence to Community Transition

SCHOOLS

  • Primary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Focus on higher deprivation areas

COMMUNITY GROUPS

  • Government organisations such as Oranga Tamariki
  • Non-government organisations such as Special Friends and YCD

Target Population

Children (7 years – 12 years) & young people (13 years – 18 years) in higher deprivation communities (boys and girls). CRBF Community Manager (Alan Harrison) works in partnership with the school to identify young people who will benefit from the mentoring.  Usually these young people come from a range of classes and varying age groups.

Programme Outline

1. Small Group Mentoring

  • 1:6 mentor to rangatahi ratio, such as groups of 12 with two mentors.
  • Physical activity within session to build participation and connection.
  • Break into small groups for mentoring sessions in between planned activities to encourage connection and over time empower the young person to have a voice.

2. Individual Mentoring

  • One on one mentee led mentoring.
  • Utilises basketball and physical activity sessions to build trust and connection to develop opportunities for a consistent mentor-mentee relationship.
  • Regular evaluations of the mentor-mentee relationship, the direction it’s heading and how it looks moving forward such as less or more sessions.

CRBF Mentors & Co-ordinator create a feedback loop with the young person’s school, teachers, social workers, whanau & other support people to promote advocacy for the young person.

KEY FINDINGS FROM THE TAMARIKI & RANGATAHI

Throughout delivering the mentoring programme there have been various things we’ve learnt about the impact this programme has on the tamariki and rangatahi involved.

They build a friendship with the mentors and look up to them, which develops trust and a willingness to communicate and share how they feel to them.

Learn how to better relate to each other, resolute conflict and work together.

Builds confidence within the children and a safe environment to be themselves.

Young people finish the session more energised, happy, and willing to participate.

The young people love the active part of the sessions and lots want to continue to participate in the  sport outside of the programme.

Improved behaviour and attitude of the young people.

PROGRAMME INSIGHTS FROM TAMARIKI & RANGATAHI

Insights from tamariki and rangatahi who have been involved in the mentoring programme, gathered by CRBF Community Manager Alan Harrison.

How are you enjoying the basketball mentoring program?

  • “I’m learning new skills and making new friends.” (secondary)
  • “The coaches are great, they push me outside of my comfort zone and they are good people.” (secondary)
  • “I’m enjoying the program and the energy of the group has helped me improve my skills.” (secondary)
  • “I am enjoying the program as it’s fun and it burns off my energy.” (primary)

How is the program helping you at home, at school or in your community?

  • “It is helping me to be more confident and communicate better and it is also helping me to become a better person.” (primary)
  • “It is helping me to exercise more and my mental and physical health is improving.” (secondary)
  • “Undertaking this program has helped me to develop a coping mechanism for life which is helping me to be happier with life.” (secondary)
  • “The coaches have developed really good relationships with me and they are excellent role models for me.” (secondary)

What are you learning that helps you in the classroom?

  • “I am trying harder in the classroom and improving my Maths and reading.” (primary)
  • “I am more confident working with others now, especially those I couldn’t work with before.” (primary)
  • “The program has helped me to relate better with others at school and to keep on top of things in my life.” (secondary)
  • “I am more settled in the classroom and I am setting goals that help me achieve better.” (secondary)
  • Through the program I am now more confident to undertake new challenges in the classroom.” (secondary)

PROGRAMME INSIGHTS FROM STAFF

“We have some pupils involved in the programme who struggle with behaviour in a variety of settings. All the pupils are showing better leadership skills, social skills while interacting with each other and the ability to follow instructions in a wider variety of settings.”

Nicola Scott

Teacher/Sports Coordinator - Hornby Primary

“What a fantastic opportunity this has been for many of our children. I have noticed an increase in our children's confidence and self-esteem. They have learned new skills related to basketball and managing their behaviours and relationships with others. Having strong male role models available for our students is hugely appreciated.”

Lucy Harris

Teacher - Bromley School

“I’ve seen improvements in many of the kids I’ve been able to work with. Over time kids develop more confidence in themselves and are open to discussing troubles they may be having in life. I’m excited to continue being a mentor and provide guidance for the kids of Christchurch. “

Jack Salt

CRBF Coach & Mentor

“The programme is working really well in two ways. Firstly we observe that the children are changing and learning how to relate to others, to cope with disappointment, to voice their feelings, to handle conflict and have a better understanding of their emotions. Secondly the children are becoming more active by learning the skills of a game in a fun and inclusive way.”

Alan Harrison

CRBF Community Coordinator and former school principal