City of Cockburn needs mentors for new Young Champions program

A NEW group-mentoring program featuring team games, creative activities and puzzles will be run at the Cockburn Youth Centre starting in October.

City of Cockburn youth development officer Gemma McDonald said the Young Champions Mentoring Program was something called for by young people during a youth leadership event in July.

“The main idea was a peer mentoring program and they wanted something that was fortnightly, involved team building games, socialising and downtime with mentors, so I’ve run with that idea,” she said.

The pilot program, designed for people between the ages of 10 to 24 will be held at the Youth Centre every second Thursday from October 13.

Mentors between 16 and 29 are sought to facilitate activities and provide support to those taking part.

Ms McDonald said she was keen to see more males apply to be mentors, with most of the interest so far being from women.

“We’re aiming to get a balance,” she said.

Atwell College student Phoebe Lipcar said she was considering becoming a mentor and talked up the need for a program like this.

“I think there definitely is a need for this, especially for children that might not necessarily feel they are able to express themselves at home,” she said.Applications to become a mentor close September 23.For information phone 9411 3444 or visit cockburn.wa.gov.au.