The Basics
How it works
Menslink’s Mentoring Program pairs men who have survived their adolescence with young blokes aged 10-16 who are still on their way there.
Our volunteer mentors are regular guys. They’re not superheroes. They’re genuine people. From tradies, white-collar professionals, sports fans, and others, who prefer the theatre. What they all have in common is that they were once a young bloke in their teens. They’ve lived it … and survived (and maybe picked up a few tricks along the way).
Menslink mentors are not parent figures or counsellors. Think of a mentor like a supportive uncle or an older brother. They’re not a counsellor or replacement father, and they’re certainly not there to tell young men how to live their lives.
Menslink mentors are unpaid volunteers; they do it because they want to. We check they’re the right fit (so do the cops), and we spell out to them the commitment required to fulfil the role.
A Menslink mentoring relationship lasts for 2 years, and during that time we get regular individual feedback from all involved: young bloke, mentor and parents.
Mentoring involves 1-1 catch-ups between the young guy and mentor, as well as Menslink group events where we do fun stuff together like laser tag, ten-pin bowling, or even just watching a good movie.
Mentor Program Activity
Menslink Wilderness Experience
One of the programs available to young men in the mentoring program is the Menslink Wilderness Experience – a 3-day, 2-night outdoor adventure.