Network
Mentor Support Network
Several times each year, Mentor Support Network members are invited to participate in our networking and learning events, where we invite expert speakers to present on a particular subject.
Speakers may be practitioners, researchers or representatives of organisations providing youth support. All have considerable experience and expertise to share with our members.
These events are great learning opportunities, and they provide our members with the opportunity to network and build strong support structures.
Annual celebration for members and supporters
A celebratory breakfast is held annually to acknowledge the accomplishments of youth when supported by mentoring and (through scholarships) having access materials in support of their education.
The 2020 and 2021 celebratory breakfasts were postponed due to COVID-19. Information about our 2022 celebratory breakfast will be made available shortly. Subscribe to our newsletter to be advised when a date is set.
Scholarship presentations
Members and partners of Mentor Support Network are invited to attend annual presentation events for both the educational scholarships and refugee student scholarships.
Around 350 scholarships totalling more than $650,000 have been presented to students across the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Port Stephens regions since Mentor Support Network started operating.
The scholarships are made available thanks to the generous support of our members and partners within the corporate sector.
The scholarship presentation events are held at Newcastle Harness Racing Club each year.
Mentor training
Our mentor training program provides mentors and potential mentors with the knowledge and skills required for youth mentoring. To date, over 300 people have participated in one of our mentor training courses.
We offer a one-day training program for those new to mentoring as well as those with experience who would like to reflect and refresh.
The courses aim to empower and enable individuals to develop skills and confidence in their mentoring capabilities. We also aim to create and nurture relationships between mentors and mentoring organisations.