The Young Love Foundation prides itself on the provision of professional mentor training for our volunteers at no cost to the mentors. We run our training program for mentors on an annual basis in February and March through an accredited TAFE NSW Outreach course, and mentors can elect to attend a day time course or an evening course. It is held one day per week for 5 or 6 weeks. Below is an outline of the topics we cover in our mentor training program.
Mentor Training was conducted in February this year, and mentors either attended training during the day on Mondays at Northern Beaches TAFE or in the evening on Tuesdays at Crows Nest TAFE. We will offer mentor training again in November 2010 at Crows Nest TAFE on Fridays from 10am until 2pm, and then again in February 2011 with a day time course and an evening course.
For mentors who wish to volunteer to our Bump program for teenage mums, an extra day of training in week 6 is specifically for you, covering specific topics relevant to the girls.
Community organisations can elect to have some or all of these topics conducted for them by The Young Love Foundation, and we can modify the training program to suit your needs. For example, we can completely train all your mentors for your program, or we can speak on specialist topics as part of your own training program, as required.
Feedback on Mentor Training Program
83% of attendees rated the program overall as "excellent"
80% of attendees rated the program content as "very understandable"
Some of the comments received from mentors included:
I feel there is a need to do this work, that I have a purpose and can make a difference
It was useful in life generally, not just for mentoring
It was interesting with moments of lightness and fun
Simple things like "listening" can be very powerful
Thoroughly enjoyed it
The practical application was extremely beneficial
There was a depth of information, but it was very easy to comprehend
I feel a whole lot more prepared than when I first joined
I feel confident I can be a good mentor
Skills learned also applied to my own life
Well done, great course - varied, interesting, engaging, worthwhile, informative
Great fun, lots of lovely people
Wow, what an amazing program has been created, thank you.
How good this course is and how valuable for my own teenagers
Helped me learn I am passionate about assisting teens to reach their full potential
Next Mentor Training Program Schedule - November 2010
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Date
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Modules
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Topic
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Day 1
Friday Nov 5
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M01
M02
M03
M04
M05
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Welcome, enrolment, learning outcomes
History of mentoring
What is a mentor? What is mentoring?
Developing a mentor job description
Mentoring Code of Conduct
Stages of Mentoring and issues
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Day 2
Friday Nov 12
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T01
T02
S01
T03
T04
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Adolescent Development
Generation X vs Generation Y
Introduction to listening skills
Cultural Issues and Stereotypes
Education System
Guest Speaker - Drugs and Alcohol
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Day 3
Friday Nov 19
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M06
S02
T05
T06
S03
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Visit from current mentors and mentees
More listening skills and practice
Technological issues for youth
Media influences on young people
Questioning and Communication skills
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Day 4
Friday Nov 26
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S04
S05
S06
T07
M07
T08
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DISC Communication and Learning styles
Boundaries and Confidentiality
Values, beliefs and ethics
Teaching goal setting to mentees
Guest Speaker - Depression and anxiety
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Day 5
Friday Dec 3
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M08
M09
M10
M11
M12
M07
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Mentors from your life
Mentor self-care and survival
Resources and organisations in the community
DOCS Mandatory Reporting
First mentoring session practice
Mentor Reflection and evaluation
Celebration Lunch
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Day 6
Friday Dec 10
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B01
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(for Bump program mentors only)
This is an additional day of training for those who wish to volunteer as a mentor for teenage mums to the “Bump” program. We will cover topics specific to the issues being faced by the girls, and highlight relevant topics to them.
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Note
Recognition of Prior Learning may be sought for mentors who are already qualified as counsellors for modules S01, S02, S03
The training program is no cost to mentors as long as they are permanent residents of Australia holding the appropriate visas