Family Works - Wakatipu

The mission of the programme is to contribute to the emotional and social wellbeing of children and young people in Wakatipu.

Objectives: To match the children and young people with carefully selected and trained volunteers in well supported buddy friendships.

Outcomes: Improved social and emotional wellbeing as evidenced in young buddy's enjoyment of the relationship.

Benefits:

Each relationship involves a different mix of personality factors, interests, skills, and needs. A particular strength of the programme is the extent to which it is able to make the most of this diversity by arranging the "right match". Some of the benefits the young buddy can enjoy are:

1) Consistency - regular and sustained contact with a trusted adult friend who encourages positive interests, attitudes, and behaviour.

2) Time out from family responsibilities.

3) Practice in constructive/creative use of free time (Generally getting out from in front of the TV or Play Station to enjoy healthy physical activity).

4) Experience of using local resources e.g. the library, the pool, the beach, and the park.

5) Practice in making positive choices.

6) Above all else "fun" the experience of life as interesting and enjoyable.

Contact Address	Family Works Southland 183 Spey St PO Box 314 Invercargill
Phone Number	03 2186140
Organisation Email
Organisation Website
Contact Person	Co-ordinator: Nanette Benington, 03 442 4470
Email
Programme Base
Other branches/areas of operation? - specify	There are many other branches in the South Island See main Family Works page for branches
Target Group/s Age (range) Male/Female/Both	8 to 17 years Both
Additional Target Criteria? Ethnicity/decile/other	Children and young people who have been assessed as being in need of support and encouragement from a positive adult friend
Nature of mentoring service	Enriching and young people's lives with friendship, fun, and learning
Mentoring only, or is there some other element	Transitioning on to further tertiary study, placement or jobs. A developmental programme in which the emphasis is on the quality of the relationship and on the constructive activity shared by the buddies/mates
Mentoring approach - individual/group/combination	Individual
Mentoring duration - annual or other	12 months minimum
Location and frequency eg school, monthly	Two to three hours weekly. Often at the volunteer's home or out and about exploring the local environment
Programme Operating since	2003
Mentor Source	Community
Mentor Target Criteria	"Concerned optimists" adults who can provide a safe and beneficial friendship
Measurement and Evaluation - how is this done	A continuous process informed by regular supervision sessions for volunteers. Independent contact with the young mate and/or their caregiver and observation of the Great Mates on activity days. Diary sheets, case notes and questionnaires provide written feedback. On occasion concerned others e.g. teachers / social workers also provide valuable observations
Involvement Opportunities	Community support e.g. volunteers, sponsorship