A special course that provides training, professional development and networking for people who wish to become a mentor will take place next month.

The program is the last for 2021, to be hosted by the Mentor Support Network (MSN), which promotes the value of mentoring across the Hunter community.

It also links tutors to organisations seeking volunteer counsellors and encourages them to become mentors.

Course facilitator Matt Linnert said MSN had already conducted two successful training courses in 2021.

But, he’s decided to run a third – at Soul Café, on the corner of Hunter and Watt streets – on Thursday 2 December from 9.30am until 4pm, due to the need to train more mentors.

The full-day session aims to empower and enable individuals to develop skills and confidence in their mentoring capabilities.

“More than 300 people have participated in one of MSN’s mentor training courses, which have been very successful in providing necessary skills for both existing and potential mentors,” Mr Linnert said.

“Feedback from those attending this year was very encouraging.

“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 young people better cope with the challenges of school, work experience, career choices and may direct them to support for personal and family issues.”

Topics for the December course include: 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 mentee.

“MSN is offering a great training course for a worthwhile cause and I’m again looking forward to facilitating what should be a great day,” he said.

“But, the 2021 courses could not have been held without the generous support of Port Waratah Coal Services, which have been a long-term supporter of MSN through its Community Investment and Partnership Program.”

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

The fee is $20 per person for MSN members and $60 per person for non-members, which includes a 12-month MSN membership.

Details about registering for the training course can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/msn-mentor-training-day-tickets-206863483247

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