Gippsland Engaged Mentoring (GEM) has launched an urgent call for volunteers, seeking to expand its network of mentors to support disengaged and at-risk young people across East Gippsland.
The program, which currently supports 60 participants aged 10 to 24 with a team of 36 dedicated mentors, is looking for community-minded individuals to step up, particularly younger adults aged 18 and over.
GEM operates in locations including Orbost, Lakes Entrance, Swifts Creek, and Bairnsdale, matching local volunteers with young people who may be feeling disconnected from school, family, or their community.
GEM officer Vanessa Ebsworth said the core of the program is simple: providing a consistent, reliable presence in a young person’s life for just one hour, once a week.
“I want to start with a simple truth: every young person wants to belong, to be seen, and to matter,” Ms Ebsworth said.
“What they are missing, more often than not, is one consistent adult who believes in them. That’s where you come in.”
The program emphasises that mentors do not need to be experts or “fixers.” Instead, the role is about listening and showing up.
“Mentoring is not about having all the answers. It’s not about fixing or rescuing,” Ms Ebsworth said.
“It’s about showing up reliably, patiently, and with an open heart. You don’t need special qualifications or to be perfect. What you bring – your life experience, your consistency, and your willingness to listen – is enough.”
Research indicates that a single trusted relationship can significantly alter a young person’s future, moving them from a state of isolation to one of connection.
“A mentor can be the difference between giving up and giving things another try,” Ms Ebsworth said.
“When you choose to mentor, you send a powerful counter-message: You matter. You are worth my time. I believe in you.”
The GEM program is backed by a wide range of community partnerships, including local primary and secondary schools, TAFE, learning and employment networks, local businesses, and Victoria Police.
This collaborative approach ensures that the support provided to “at-risk” youth is integrated into the wider community.
Beyond the weekly one-on-one sessions, GEM provides comprehensive training for all volunteers and offers ongoing professional development. The program also hosts group mentoring activities, fun days to promote mental and physical health, and celebrations for Youth Week and Volunteer Week.
By recruiting more mentors, especially those in the 18-plus demographic, GEM hopes to reduce the number of young people left behind and build a more connected region.
“By becoming a mentor, you’re not just helping a young person, you’re strengthening families, building safer communities, and investing in a future where young people feel connected,” Ms Ebsworth said.
“Sometimes, all it takes to change a life is one person who refuses to give up. That person could be you.”
For more information, contact GEM officer Vanessa Ebsworth (details via the Advertiser office).
