The YWCA of Sydney is a charitable organisation which promotes the care,
welfare and self-esteem of children, adolescents and women of all age
groups. The YWCA sees itself as not only a membership movement or a
community service agency, but as an action-oriented service provider,
which works for change. Included in the many programmes the YWCA
operates is the Big Sister/Big Brother Programme.
The Big Sister/Big Brother Programme is a well established, professionally-run
mentor programme that provides 'at risk' young people with a
structured and supported, one-to-one friendship with a caring adult. The
Programme aims to promote positive youth development and prevent
youth problems from escalating.
Over the last 20 years the Big Sister/Big Brother Programme has worked
with hundreds of children and young people, matching them with adult
mentors. In the last five years, the Programme has developed the highest
standards in screening volunteers, monitoring and supporting matches.
The young people are referred for a variety of reasons, but they all require
adult friendship and support in their lives. Quite a number have been
involved with the juvenile justice system or are clearly heading for it
when they join our Programme.
