Hilton backed programme celebrates first mentor pairing

Christchurch, 19 December 2011 – A mentoring service aimed at helping young people affected by the Canterbury earthquakes is bearing fruit as 10 mentor pairs have been matched together.

Established mentoring provider Big Brothers Big Sisters of Christchurch, active in a number of schools across the city, decided to develop a community-based mentoring programme in response to post-quake stress, backed in part by a $20,000 grant from the Hilton in the Community Foundation.

Adult volunteers give up one hour a week to spend time with a young person who needs support.

24 year old Jess Somerville, a community relations representative for TrustPower, is one of the first community mentors, working with 11 year old Jazz, who lives in the heart of earthquake ravaged eastern Christchurch.

The mentoring relationship has given Jess a real insight into what young people like Jazz are having to live with.

“I’ve really enjoyed developing a relationship with Jazz, after a good training process from Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Tim Webster, Chairman of Big Brothers Big Sisters, says the development of a community-based mentoring service was an exciting extension of their schools-based programme.

“It enables us to reach more children with a wider of variety of mentors, to make more of a difference to young lives.

“There is so much need in Christchurch right now, we’re honoured to be able to play some part in meeting it.”

Tim paid tribute to supporters like Hilton in the Community Foundation, Westpac Community Care, and another recent grant of $25,000 from the Vodafone Foundation.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Christchurch

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches adult mentors – all of whom are volunteers - with a suitable child (typically aged between 8-13 years), who they meet with once a week. Part of a national and international network, Big Brothers Big Sisters currently supports over 80 mentoring relationships at across the city in schools and in the community.

Funding locally is provided by Christchurch City Council, Wayne Francis Trust, Canterbury Community Trust, Lottery Grants, COGS, The Blogg Charitable Trust.

ENDS