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March 02, 2018 at 8:19 AM

*From the Community Waitakere Noticeboard*

KOHUORA – AUCKLAND SOUTH CORRECTIONS FACILITY

VOLUNTEER MENTORS PROGRAMME

WE ARE LOOKING FOR REAL PEOPLE LIVING REAL LIVES WHO CAN BE MENTORS FOR MEN ON THEIR LIFE CHANGING JOURNEY DURING THEIR TIME IN PRISON AND AFTER THEIR RELEASE.

Mentoring is about building an authentic two-way relationship. By supporting individuals to make positive social connections in safe environments, Mentors can help enrich the lives of released men and empower them to re-connect successfully and permanently with their community. A Mentor is not an expert and both Mentors and those mentored can grow from the experience. Mentors make themselves available to talk during moments of uncertainty, crisis and self-doubt, those moments in their journey when the mentored ask, “Who cares enough to be there for me?” By walking alongside these men, Mentors makes a difference, generating conversations that empower the mentored to set and achieve goals, make decisions and solve problems.

The Ideal Mentor profile:

• The ability to develop trusting relationships
• A strong desire to make a difference in people’s lives
• A positive solution focussed outlook on life
• Active listening skills
• Capability to work with commitment, reliability and integrity
• Understanding and respect or people’s rights to confidentiality
• Respect for an individual’s culture and personal beliefs
• Role model for a healthy lifestyle and helpful positive behaviours, which promote social acceptance and friendship
• The ability to challenge wrong behaviour yet remain non-judgmental

Key tasks could include:

• Be a buddy, listening ear and sounding board
• Consistently support the Mentee in tangible ways with practical and emotional challenges, especially within the first two weeks post release
• Provide advice and guidance when requested
• Assist the Mentee to develop new, positive and supportive social connections
• Visit places of interest with the Mentee by mutual agreement that will assist with readjustment back into the community

Our Volunteer Mentoring Programme will assist men to head in new directions on release from prison; we are building social capital and enabling our community to function more effectively. By sharing the gift of your time and commitment with these men, you can be our partner in reaching our goal of empowering the participants of the programme to develop a sense of personal value and belonging.

To register your interest in training to become a Kohuora Mentor please contact Bernadette Pereira via email : bernadette.pereira1@serco-ap.co.nz or telephone (09) 250 5900 Extension 4001

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST CONTACT:

Bernadette Pereira on: (09) 2505900 Extension 4001 or at Friendship House - (09) 2622329

Or email Bernadette: bernadette.pereira1@serco-ap.com

Interviews will be held mid March 2018 and for those accepted onto the programme, training will take place in mid March 2018.