2007 NAB Volunteer Awards: Giving Big for 'Littles' – The YWCA of Adelaide

[17 October 2007 | Volunteering Australia and NAB]

It may not be unusual to see siblings enjoying a good time together at the park, but for disadvantaged children from broken homes, it can be a far stretch from reality.

That's where the South Australian Winner of the 2007 NAB Volunteer Award for small organisations, the YWCA's Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Program comes in. BBBS is a mentoring program for young people aged 7 to 17, who lack adult support and involvement. Currently in its fifth year, the program is supported by over 35 volunteer 'Bigs' and this number is increasing with each training intake.

"Bigs" spend up to four hours of quality time with their "little" brother or sister over at least a one year period. Activities include playing sport, going to the movies, driving to the beach, walking the dog and generally just having fun.

Jo Case, Program Manager, said that the program aims to strengthen young peoples' self worth and confidence, enhance social and communication skills, and improve their relationships at home, school and in the community.

"Most of the children are from disadvantaged and sole parent families; some have experienced significant grief or loss, some have parents with a history of substance abuse or have significant illnesses or disabilities, whilst others come from families where there are up to ten children," Ms Case said.

"As a 'Big Sister' myself I have witnessed the incredible changes in my 'little sister' whose life has transformed to the point that she is now married with a family of her own," she said.

Volunteer 'Bigs' come from many different cultural backgrounds and occupations. One volunteer, who originally worked in wine marketing, resigned from her job to study Youth Work after realising the satisfaction that came from supporting her 'little', a seven year old Indigenous child.

Big Brothers Big Sisters demonstrates best practise in their area by valuing and rewarding their volunteers. "BBBS would not exist if not for the support of our valued volunteers – they are our greatest asset and resource," Ms Case stated.

BBBS will use the award money from NAB to screen and train more mentors, for recognition events and activities, as well as increasing awareness of the program in the community and perhaps attracting a corporate partner.

More information

Esther Makris
Corporate Social Responsibility, Australia
National Australia Bank
Tel: (03)8634 1565

Jo Case
Program Manager – Youth Mentoring
YWCA of Adelaide – BBBS Program
Tel: (08) 8227 0155
Website: www.ywca.com.au