CareSouth Batemans Bay is on the lookout for volunteer mentors across the Batemans Bay and Moruya areas as part of our Aunties and Uncles program, to spend quality time with a primary school aged child. Including male mentors!

The Aunties & Uncles Program links community Volunteer Mentors with children aged 3 to 12 from families who could benefit from support. Each child is given an opportunity to enjoy experiences with another adult or family. Mentors provide friendship and support to a child, as a means of respite from a variety of family circumstances. Volunteer Mentors value the Aunties and Uncles relationship that develops over time, as well as the knowledge that they are making a valuable contribution to a child’s life.

Children who take part in the program are generally vulnerable because of lack of support outside the family environment. Families who are provided with this service are often experiencing challenging and difficult issues, such as isolation through lack of extended family supports, mental illness, separation and divorce, history of drugs and alcohol, and a history of domestic violence.

Volunteer Aunties and Uncles can come from all walks of life, single, married/partnered, and families. It is important that prospective Aunties & Uncles understand and support the Aunties & Uncles program philosophy, relate well to children, and have the time to spend with a child to become a caring friend.

What the role involves

• Building a relationship with a child with the aim of spending a few hours each month doing normal, everyday activities
• Providing transport as required to and from child’s home
• Working with the Aunties & Uncles caseworker to ensure the smooth running of the link

Benefits of becoming a volunteer mentor

• The rewards of being part of a child’s development
• Extending yours and the child’s “family”
• Sense of contributing to the community and supporting a vulnerable local child
• Training provided
• Ongoing support and advice provided by CareSouth staff

Minimum requirements

• Aged 21 or over
• Satisfactory assessment by CareSouth staff
• Satisfactory Working with Children and Criminal Record Checks
• Attendance at orientation training and other training where necessary
• Driver’s licence and reliable vehicle
• Capacity to commit to a child for a minimum of 12 months

If you'd like to know more, please contact CareSouth on 1300 554 260, or email [email protected], or visit the CareSouth website.