Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawkes Bay

There is no more important investment we as individuals can make than in helping our community’s rangatahi realise, and share, their full potential. To help them raise their head to face the world, with a smile on their face. MATAWHĀNUI / MISSION
Whakatuu Tuakana whakakohe, Whakamana a Taiohi
Enable life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of Taiohi/Young People. W

HAKATAKANGA / VISION
Kia eke noa a Taiohi
All Taiohi/Young People realise their full potential. WHAT WE DO
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a youth mentoring programme which has been operating worldwide since 1904, and in Hawke’s Bay since 2006. Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawke’s Bay matches young people with Mentors to form meaningful friendships that can make a big impact over time. In Hawke's Bay, we have matched over 100 young people with a Mentor. Mentors are adults from all walks of life who volunteer one hour a week of their time to form friendships with our taiohi, and help them discover a world of possibilities and opportunities. Anyone who is prepared to give one child, one hour of their time, once a week can be a Mentor. A Mentor:
- Provides a role model and a friend for a young person;
- Promotes the importance of school and healthy relationships with family and peers;
- Instils trusts and self-confidence in a young person, helping them to make healthy decisions;
- Encourages leadership skills and independent thinking, and;
- Makes a difference. Please contact us at [email protected], or phone: 022 175 2296

HOW THE PROGRAMME WORKS
Mentoring is simply about walking alongside another, letting a young person know they are valued and not alone. The young people in our community only need someone to take an interest in them, to listen to what they have to say and to help them come to terms with life’s challenges. We match a volunteer adult with a young person (aged anywhere between 6 to 11 years old) who could benefit from having a one-on-one relationship with a role model outside their immediate whānau. Young people and Mentors can stay matched until the young person turns 18 years old. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the Mentor and the Mentee. This is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced team. The result is a life-changing experience for both the Mentor and the Mentee. A recent review overwhelmingly confirms that the Big Brothers Big Sisters programme benefits the young people of Hawkes Bay. Children who spend time with a Mentor gain confidence, acquire new skills and competencies, and develop an enhanced capacity to care for others. COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Are you unable to be a Mentor yourself? You can still support us by donating or spreading the word about our organisation, and in so doing help us change the lives of our young people. Find out more on our website: http://bbbshb.nz/

To make a donation visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/donate/org/big-brothers-big-sisters-hawkes-bay

Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5fB3P6Ts5kA

“Witnessing the transformation of a child into a confident, concerned and motivated young person is a remarkable thing. Ushering them into adulthood, seeing them grow into a successful, responsible member of their community and society at large is even more satisfying. Proudly, it’s something our staff, volunteers and donors help bring about every day, and we’re very grateful for their generosity and support.”
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colchester