Our Community Grants continue to help get good things done.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Nelson Tasman received a grant of $3,800 last year, which has supported them in recruiting, training, and supporting the volunteer mentors who are matched with young people who need a little extra support.
Once a match is made, they provide regular check-ins with everyone involved – the mentor (big), the young person (little), and their caregiver or whānau. These check-ins help ensure each match is going smoothly, give a chance to offer support around any challenges, and, of course, celebrate special milestones.
One feature of Big Brothers Big Sisters is their school-based mentoring scheme, which is another approach to fostering positive relationships between mentors and young people, but with a focus on providing support within the school environment, during school hours and for one hour a week.
With the grants funding, they were also able to create resource boxes for each primary school they work with. These boxes – filled with craft supplies, baking kits, and more – ensure the mentors have engaged one-on-one activities ready for their ‘littles’ during school-based mentoring sessions.
Child safety is a key priority for us. That’s why each new match, like Hamish and Declyn in the picture, receives a backpack stocked with sunscreen, a first-aid kit, caps, and vouchers for fun activities around Nelson Tasman.
If you want to support Big Brothers Big Sisters or sign up to join the mentoring scheme, check out their website, bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz/nelson-tasman(external link).