Adolescence is a time of immense growth and change, and for many teens, it can be a challenging journey. Parenting expert Steve Biddulph, during the Raise 2023 Youth Mentoring Summit, highlighted the struggles teens face, comparing them to the emotional and physical challenges toddlers experience. This idea, known as “The Rule of 12,” helps us understand just how tough the teenage years can be, especially in a world filled with added pressures.
Addressing teen loneliness and mental health
Teen loneliness and mental health struggles are at epidemic levels. The current generation of teens is on track to become the loneliest demographic in history.
According to the 2013-14 Young Mind Matters Survey, around 14% of young people aged 12-17 were diagnosed with mental health disorders in just the past year. Tragically, over 70% of adolescent suicides occur between the ages of 15 and 17. This is a serious issue, but there is hope.
Raise youth mentoring: building confidence and resilience
Raise Youth Mentoring offers a proactive solution through its evidence-based programs. Local teens aged 13-16 are paired with expertly trained volunteer mentors. Over 20 weeks, mentors help their mentees develop essential skills, resilience, and confidence to face life’s challenges. This early intervention helps prevent struggles from escalating into more serious issues.
Bowral High School and Moss Vale High School have both recently celebrated the achievements of the teens who completed the program. Mentees, who initially showed signs of reluctance and withdrawal, expressed how much the program impacted their lives, with increased trust, confidence, and hope for the future.
The impact of mentorship
Brooke McGee, a Raise Program Counselor and local resident, shared her thoughts on the transformation she witnesses every year:
“Watching these young people walk in nervous and unsure, only to leave 20 weeks later full of confidence and pride, is incredibly powerful. Having a trusted adult who shows up just for them, to listen and encourage, can make all the difference in a teen’s life.”
The positive impact extends to mentors as well. Rodney, a volunteer mentor, shared:
“Through Raise, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about guiding from ahead, but walking beside young people as they find their voice.”
Many mentors report feeling more connected to their communities and better engaged with those around them.
How you can help
Raise’s local programs in Bowral and Moss Vale, generously supported by the Bowral District Children’s Foundation (BDCF), Southern Highlands Community Foundation (SHCF), and The Waratah Education Foundation, continue to make a meaningful difference. But the program doesn’t stop there. Raise Digital Mentoring allows teens to receive support online, ensuring that more young people can access the help they need, regardless of where they live.
Are you interested in making a lasting impact? Becoming a mentor with Raise is a rewarding way to support a young person through their challenges and help them build a brighter future.
For more details on how you can get involved, visit Raise Youth Mentoring.
The power of community
Raise is more than just a mentoring program – it’s a community-driven initiative that empowers both teens and volunteers to grow and thrive together. With your help, we can ensure that the next generation of young people in our community has the tools they need to succeed.
For more information on how to volunteer or get a teen involved, visit Raise.org.au.
