The Mount Alexander Youth Mentoring Program matches young people one-on-one with a volunteer adult mentor. Mentors meet with their young person on a regular basis, either at the school or in the community.

The program is a partnership between CHIRP Community Health and Castlemaine Secondary College.

Who is eligible for the program?

This program is available to young people aged between 12 and 25  in Mount Alexander who may benefit from regular mentorship from a volunteer mentor.

A young person might be facing some personal challenges in their life such as difficulties at school, family instability, trouble with their peers, or indecision about vocational goals. Some of the young people come from backgrounds of economic and social disadvantage. Our volunteer mentors have an understanding of how these difficulties can have an impact on their opportunities in life.

About the Volunteer Mentors

All volunteer mentors are screened and trained in youth mentoring, and they all have a desire to have a positive influence on a young person’s life.

Once matched, the volunteer will decide with their young person about how they would like to spend their time together – working towards goals, pursuing hobbies and interests, or simply going for a walk together.

How to become involved with the program?

Young people are usually referred through an agency or the secondary college. Their participation is voluntary. We will also consider self referrals. If you want to become a mentor, visit our volunteering page.

The Youth Mentoring Program is delivered in partnership with Mount Alexander Shire Council and supported by the Victorian State Government Engage! 2022-2024 Program.