Big Brothers Big Sisters N.L. needs more men as volunteer mentors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland is on the hunt for more men to volunteer as mentors. 

Demand has increased exponentially in the last few years, says program director Julie Power. About 60 young people are on the waitlist, and 60 more are waiting to join the waitlist. About 80 per cent of those are potential "little brothers."

"We're looking for someone, really, who just has good listening skills," Power told CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show.

"People who are OK with opening themselves up to being a kid again … it helps kind of build that bond and shows young people that it's OK to be yourself and embrace the lighter side of life, even when things seem heavy sometimes."

The charity organization's mentorship program aims to provide positive role models for youth between six and 17 years old. 

That form of support can be as simple as playing a game or exploring similar interests, Power said.

Many of the young people that avail of the program face childhood adversities, and having extra support in the form of a "big sibling" can help lessen the impact, said Power.

"For some people that can seem a bit daunting," she said. 

A mentor is required to meet with their matched young person two to four times a month for at least one year.

"So it's pretty flexible," Power said.

With a backlog of young boys and teenagers waiting to find a mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters is urging the public to step up.

When young people don't have a guiding hand in the face of challenges such as violence, mental or physical health issues or other social barriers, their potential can be stunted, Power said.

"We know that there's a lot of pre-emptive work that can be done by just building young people up and making them feel seen and valued," she said.

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