Upside Youth Mentoring

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Upside Youth Mentoring

🌟 Empowering belief in young people at-risk
💛 Mentoring tamariki and rangatahi aged 9–13
👇 Get involved today

https://upside.org.nz/links

03/08/2026

When Miles* joined Upside, life had already been incredibly challenging. What he needed most wasn't someone to solve his problems. He needed one consistent adult who could show up, listen, encourage him and simply be there.

Over the following year, his mentor did just that. Together they shared walks, meals, conversations and new adventures. As their relationship grew, so did Miles' confidence. He became more social, more willing to try new experiences and gained the belief to keep stepping outside his comfort zone.

To everyone who donates, volunteers, partners with us or supports Upside, thank you! 💛

*Name and photo has been changed to protect privacy.

21/07/2026

Those are the words of one young person's whānau after a year of mentoring. 💛

When Nia* first joined Upside, she was struggling. After experiencing instability and trauma earlier in life, she found it hard to regulate her emotions, was disengaged from school, and lacked confidence. What she needed most was one trusted adult who believed in her.

Over the next 12 months, her mentor showed up consistently. Through simple things like walks, games, shared meals and conversations, trust began to grow.

"The impact has been a total 180-degree turnaround."

Nia became happier, more confident and more engaged at school. She built friendships, received school certificates and was even selected as a student leader.

It didn't happen because of one big moment. It happened because one caring adult kept showing up.

To everyone who donates, volunteers, partners with us or cheers us on, thank you!

Your support helps create life changing relationships that give young people the opportunity to thrive. 💛

*Name and photo has been changed to protect privacy.

06/07/2026

"I was super nervous and didn't think I had the skills to be a mentor. But now I've realised I don't have to be anything special. I just have to be me." 💛

One of our mentors recently reflected on her first year of mentoring and shared:

"It has been a great time mentoring for the last year. It is the highlight of my week and I really enjoy the time I spend with her every week."

It's completely normal to feel nervous about becoming a mentor. Many of our volunteers wonder if they have what it takes.

The truth is, young people don't need someone with all the answers. They need someone who will show up, listen and believe in them.

If you've ever thought about becoming a mentor, we'd love to hear from you.

Learn more at: upside.org.nz/join-the-crew/mentor

25/06/2026

"I believe in myself more because my mentor keeps telling me I am great."

That's what your support makes possible.

Today we're proud to share our 2025 Impact Report and the stories, outcomes and community behind it.

Thank you for helping young people build belief in themselves, others, and their future.

Read the full report here:https://upside.org.nz/assets/Fundraising-Info/Upside-Annual-Impact-Report-2025.pdf

17/06/2026

A huge thank you to Lindsay Foundation for their generous support of Upside Youth Mentoring. 💛

While our mentors generously volunteer their time, it takes a dedicated team to recruit, train and support them, carefully match mentors with young people, and walk alongside each mentoring relationship.

Thanks to partners like Lindsay Foundation, more young people can access the life-changing support of a trusted mentor.

We're incredibly grateful for your investment in young people and their futures.

11/06/2026

Today is International Day of Play 🎉

Play isn't just about having fun, it's how young people build confidence, connection, creativity and resilience.

Some of the activities our mentors and young people enjoy together include kicking a ball around at the park, playing board games, getting creative with arts and crafts, sharing a milkshake, or simply going for a walk together.

Sometimes the biggest changes happen during these simple moments. A game, a laugh, or a shared experience can be the start of a trusted relationship that helps a young person thrive.

Happy International Day of Play!

03/06/2026

Twenty-six weeks of mentoring can make a huge difference in a young person's life.

Over the past six months, Jayden* has become more relaxed and open, more willing to talk about what's going on in his world, and more confident asking for advice and support.

It's a reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply show up, consistently.

Thank you to our incredible volunteer mentors who make stories like this possible.

*Names and photo changed to protect privacy.

11/05/2026

Each one means a young person now has someone in their corner, showing up, week after week. 💛

Here’s to what’s ahead, and thank you to everyone who helps make these connections possible.

04/05/2026

“It’s turned into a whānau relationship.” 💛

For six years, Upside has been part of Kenny’s journey, providing consistency, support, and opportunity.

To our mentors and supporters... thank you!

29/04/2026

Behind every mentoring relationship is a team making it possible. 💪

Thanks to the generous support of Te Rau Puāwai Education Trust, we’re able to invest in our frontline programme team... the people who build relationships, support mentors and whānau, and ensure young people are consistently supported week to week 💛

Address

300 Great South Road
Auckland
1051

Website

https://upside.org.nz/links

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