Project HAVEY Mentor Program

Project HAVEY Mentor Program

Project HAVEY is funded by the Australian Government acting through the Attorney-General’s Department to deliver a youth mentoring program that aims to build resilience and promotes inclusive and safe communities.

There is a rich diversity in Hume that contributes to a culture that is innovative and open. Such diversity provides positive interaction, knowledge and understanding (which are the stepping stones to developing respect, fairness and increased acceptance of other cultures and religions) making for a more cohesive and socially inclusive community. Sadly, some young people are not exposed to environments that support this social inclusion.

Project HAVEY is a mentoring program to support young people aged 12 - 17 who live in Hume City and are at risk of disengaging from their community and lack positive adult influences.

Adults who can support

Project HAVEY is a 12 month project working with adults interested in becoming mentors and young leaders who have an interest in building the capacity of young people who are, vulnerable to negative influences or struggling to find an encouraging role-model.

Young people involved in Project HAVEY will be matched with an adult mentor with experience and an interest in exposing young people to alternative ways of perceiving the world and aims to provide them with the skills to make pro-social choices through fostering cross-cultural understanding between ethnic groups, being part of celebrations for young people which are designed by themselves and their peers.

The mentor’s role will be to support participants as they unpack their interests, goals and life aspirations.

Volunteer Mentor key responsibilities and duties

·  To engage with the young person

·  Provide the young person with support and encouragement

·  Assist the young person to understand other cultures

·  Maintain regular communication with the young person and encourage them to attend activities organized through Project HAVEY

·  Attend activities of interest to the mentor whenever possible

·  Maintain regular communication with Project HAVEY staff

·  Participate in the projects evaluation

Selection Criteria

Mentors are people who:

·  Have a commitment and interest in supporting young people who are at risk of developing antisocial behaviors

·  Are able to fulfill the responsibilities and duties outlined above

·  Have a healthy understanding of different cultures and religions

·  Are supportive and can listen to a young person

·  Are non-judgmental and open with a young person

·  Are honest, respectful and compassionate

·  Have the capacity to increase a young person’s understanding of different cultures and religious beliefs

Adult mentors will be screened through a process based on the National Youth Mentoring Benchmarks.

Selection Process

To be selected as a mentor, applicants will need to:

·  Complete an application form

·  Provide details of two referees

·  Complete a National Police Check (costs covered by project)

·  Complete/provide evidence of a Working With Children’s check (costs covered by project)

·  Attend selection and matching interviews

·  Attend training sessions delivered by Isoquant Consulting

For further information regarding Project HAVEY please contact Youth Services on 9205 2200 or email

Hume City Council Youth Services Project HAVEY Form 2 1