A youth mentoring programme in the District has had not one, but two, audiences with the Prime Minister in recent weeks and has also had a cash boost that secures the Taranaki programme until at least June 2012.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters matches young and old to provide positive, stable and independent role models.
First launched in Dannevirke in 1996, there are now 10 programmes throughout New Zealand set up as charitable trusts. In four of the areas the police provide practical support to the programme, which in New Plymouth is office space, and the project leadership of Constable Paul Lampe.
"In 2007 when the programme first started in New Plymouth, there were just 7 matches," said Constable Lampe. "Now there are over 50. The mentor is someone who is willing and able to support the young person through a friendship-based relationship on a regular basis. The key is that the young person is accepted for who they are, and they don't have to put on a mask and try to be someone else."
Each volunteer is screened, vetted and trained and the children, who range in age from seven to 17, are referred from schools, other agencies and directly from families. Mentors are encouraged to spend at least an hour of quality time with the young person once a week doing a fun activity they will both enjoy like walking, fishing, baking, swimming and so on.
A school-based system has also started where Companies commit to giving their staff who volunteer as mentors up an hour off their working week to spend with a child at the school. One example is of a young girl suffering from low-esteem. Just an hour a week doing an activity with a mentor has led to an increase in her confidence with her participating more in class and making friends.
Back in 2007 oil company Australian Worldwide Exploration Limited (AWE) which has a FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offtake Vessel) off the New Plymouth coast backed the scheme to the sum of $100,000 for one year. They went on to extend their funding for a second year, and having seen its success they are keen to help even more young people in Taranaki by committing to funding through the Trust for a further three years.
AWE's New Zealand Manager Dennis Washer said: "Our fundamental aim is to leave any community in which we operate in better shape for our presence. We believe that this programme can benefit young people throughout Taranaki and throughout New Zealand, helping both the young people and their families."
The Trust is delighted with the additional funding. "The extra money given to the Trust means that a full-time case worker can be recruited for New Plymouth and a part-time one for Stratford," said Constable Lampe.
"At the moment the programme only runs in North Taranaki but we are looking to be able to expand it to South Taranaki and have even more young people reaps its benefits."
As well as the funding to support the Taranaki programme, AWE and partner Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited have also agreed to a three-year-sponsorship of $450,000 to guarantee the program’s national future. Dave Marshall, who has led the BBBS programme in Nelson for the past 11 years has now taken up the post of National Director and says: "This is a major step forward for our organisation and will enable us to provide many more quality mentoring relationships for young people across the country."
Over the years BBBS has attracted recognition from many community members, regulators, and politicians but recently it had the undivided attention of Prime Minister John Key.
During a visit to New Plymouth he happily posed for a photo with Constable Paul Lampe and AWE Commercial Manager Tracey Phelan.
Then last night (Wednesday, 7 October) in Hawera Constable Lampe had the daunting task of leading a 20 minute presentation on BBBS to the Prime Minister, other politicians, Hawera Mayor Ross Dunlop, and local industry.
After the presentation Prime Minister John Key said: "Big Brothers Big Sisters is an important programme that is working around the country very successfully.
"The programme supports young people as they are developing and going through changes in their lives and gives them an opportunity to do different things and learn that they can confront their fears and take on new challenges and be successful."
Media enquiries should be referred to Constable Paul Lampe on 06 759 5500.