Creating connection and resilience through mentorship

With support from a FFV Community Grant, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has expanded its mentoring program in Cranbourne through the Supportive Friends Mentoring initiative, addressing urgent challenges faced by young people in the region. 

The program has enormous value for both volunteer mentors and young mentees.

BBBS delivers a proven, long-term, one-to-one mentoring program for vulnerable young people aged 7–17, pairing them with carefully screened volunteer mentors who provide stability, guidance and a positive role model.  

These relationships help build resilience, improve school engagement and foster a sense of belonging - critical for young people experiencing isolation, family violence, poverty or mental health challenges. 

In partnership with Stride Education, BBBS also introduced Supportive Friends workshops at Cranbourne Secondary College, equipping students with skills in emotional management, communication and digital literacy. Activities such as Cross the Line and Under the Surface helped students develop empathy and reduce social isolation, while discussions on cyberbullying and online reputation promoted healthier choices and responsible digital footprints. 

FFV’s grant of $50,000, alongside BBBS’s own contribution, enabled: 

• Recruitment and training of local volunteer mentors to meet high child safety standards 

• Delivery of Supportive Friends workshops to 180 students, plus teacher professional development sessions 

• Matching of young people with mentors for long-term support (minimum 12 months) 

• Evaluation of outcomes to track improvements in wellbeing and engagement 
  

The impact has been profound, with 180 young people participating in wellbeing workshops, more than 70% reporting an increased awareness of empathy towards others as a result. 

Case studies have shown how mentorship provides stability, joy, and a sense of belonging for participating young people.

"We learned how to control our anger, understand others’ emotions, and focus on positive feelings - skills that will help us later in life." 

- Young participant

The program also saw 10–15 referrals to the mentoring program for intensive support. Young people referred were each matched with mentors to help build confidence, emotional regulation and social skills.  

"I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. This program gave me that chance." 

- Volunteer Mentor

Community partnerships with local organisations such as Casey Demons Football Club, Men’s Shed, and RSL groups have strengthened volunteer recruitment and awareness, creating a ripple effect of support across Cranbourne. 

Together with FFV, Big Brothers Big Sisters is building resilience and greater opportunity for the next generation.