Youth Frontiers is an early intervention mentoring program for young people aged 12 to 16, who are under-engaged in school or community life. Marathon Health, an independent not-for-profit organisation, will be delivering the program through funding from Save the Children Australia.

It’s now rolling out in the Central West, with Forbes one of the communities where it has the potential to take off according to Project Officer Cindy Nielson. 

They’re currently looking for local volunteers who are available and keen to work with young people for an hour a week over 20 weeks. 

The program includes at least 10 hours of face-to-face, one-on-one, mentoring as well as 25 hours of community engagement such as volunteering.

It is a significant commitment, but Ms Neilson points out it is very enriching – an investment in a young person and for the benefit of the community.

“Mentors don’t need any special skills or experience, just enthusiasm and willingness, and to be trustworthy,” she said.

Mentors have an interview, NSW Working With Children Check and national police check. 

They are then matched with the young people seeking mentoring. 

The program is youth-driven, Ms Neilson said, with young participants outlining what they aspire to and what their goals are. 

It’s designed for those who are under-engaged in school or community life, and have had limited opportunities to participate in those.

They have an interest in building a mentoring relationship and are keen to become more involved in their community.

Marathon Health is coordinating the roll-out of Youth Frontiers in the western region and is a firm believer in the program, as the lead consortium partner for five headspace centres across NSW and ACT including headspace Dubbo, where the program will be coordinated.

Youth Frontiers was established by the NSW Government in 2015, so far 1200 young young people have taken part and Ms Neilson would love to see it succeed and become an annual program in the western region.

It aims to overcome barriers to community participation by building their teamwork, leadership and decision-making skills. 

Mentors must be 21 years or older, have great communication skills and a genuine interest in supporting and empowering young people.

You do need to be available for a one-day training session. 

There’s more information online at http://youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-frontiers/

For more information or to express interest, call Marathon Health on 1300 402 585 or email cindy.neilson@marathonhealth.com.au