An increase in interest by people wishing to undertake mentor training to help the youth of the Hunter region is resulting in the Mentor Support Network (MSN) staging a second course.
The organisation provides preparation, professional development and networking for mentors.
It originally hosted a training course in March after the COVID-19 pandemic impacted MSN’s schedule in 2020.
Course facilitator Matt Linnert said the previous module was fully-booked.
“Due to that, we’ve decided to run a second course because of unmet demand,” he explained.
“Our training program aims to offer mentors and potential mentors with the knowledge and skills required for youth mentoring.”
The next training day will take place at Newcastle’s Soul Café (above Westpac Bank), on the corner of Hunter and Watt streets, on Friday 25 June between 9.30am and 4pm.
Morning tea and lunch is also provided.
The cost is $20 per person for MSN members and $60 per person (non-members), which includes a 12-month MSN membership.
Mr Linnert said more than 300 people had participated in one of MSN’s mentor training courses, which aimed to empower and enable individuals to develop skills and confidence in their mentoring capabilities.
“The feedback we received from those in attendance, in March, was encouraging,” he added.
“More people have inquired about attending a course following MSN being back into full operation in delivering training programs after the impact of COVID-19 last year.
“Being a mentor can be a wonderfully fulfilling experience.
“As a mentor, you share your knowledge, skills and life experience with young people, supporting them to learn, grow and reach their potential.
“Mentors help youngsters better cope with the challenges of school, work experience, career choices, and may direct them to support for personal and family issues.”
The June training course is being offered over one day with some of the topics including: What is “mentoring”, the aim or goal of mentoring, motivation for being a mentor, roles and responsibilities of a mentor, the phases of a mentoring relationship, self-care, support and development for mentors and pathways for mentors – where and who to mentor.
Mr Linnert, who has been mentoring for more than 18 years, knows first-hand how beneficial it can be to both mentors and mentees.
He’s looking forward to supporting his fellow mentors to develop their skills, connections and confidence, too.
“MSN is offering a great training course for a worthwhile cause and I’m keen to facilitate what should be a great day,” he said.
“We’re fortunate the training course was made possible because of the generous support of Port Waratah Coal Services, which also sponsored the March event.”
Details about registering for the training course can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/msn-mentor-training-day-tickets-155938071971