Asista Mentoring Program is seeking dedicated volunteer mentors to engage in fun recreational activities with a mentee.

Asista is a special program that matches girls and young people of diverse gender (12 – 18years) in the child protection system with a female volunteer mentor. The program facilitates fortnightly one-on-one recreational outings that build friendship, trust and life skills as the mentee navigates her journey to adulthood. 

Asista is delivered across Melbourne's Northern and Western suburbs.

Asista Mentoring Program has been running since 1998 and was developed by YWCA Australia to meet the needs of young women who are clients of Department of Family, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Child Protection System in the Northern and Western Metro Regions of Melbourne.

Asista is one of state’s longest running mentor programs and is offered to young women in partnership with the Victorian Government.

Participants are matched based on location, personality, mutual likes and interests.

Mentors drive to their mentee's house to take them out for activities. Activity costs (food, tickets/entry, materials, etc) are paid by the mentor and reimbursed by the program.

Mentors will be responsible for leading communication and relationship development to a specifically matched mentee.

Through a variety of social, skills based and fun one-one-one outings, mentors provide a supportive environment that encourages growth, connection and new experiences.

Activities are decided between the two of you.

Whilst beneficial, mentors do not need any prior experience or qualifications as training and support is consistently provided to all mentors prior starting and throughout their engagement.

Qualifications, experience and attitude:

Female or gender diverse over 24 years of age

Live in (or can travel to) Melbourne’s Northern and Western suburbs

Confident drivers with a current Victorian driver license and access to a car

Commit to 12 months matched in program (after application and training period)

An understanding or willingness to learn about Trauma Informed Care and working effectively and sensitively with young people with complex needs and challenging behaviours

For more information: contact Alice Pickin, Asista Program Coordinator at [email protected]