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Young Men's Support Network This page has valuable information for young men interested in the activities and programs we offer. We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. Unless a life threatening situation is involved, anything you ask about, or mention, is confidential. Menslink contact details here. Young Men's Support Network The Young Men's Support Network has two components - the initial intake/assessment element and the counselling/life-coaching component. Our intake and assessment procedures determine initial advice and referral. We try to work with people as the first point of contact to assess their needs and strengths in a friendly way, and whether Menslink or another service can assist them. When you ring, we will ask you a number of questions to assess options, potential for engagement, and the exact nature of the problem. How do I get a Mentor? Have a good think about what you want out of mentoring. Keep in mind that everyone (no matter what age) can do with a mentor, if not through Menslink, then from uncles or friends. It may be helpful for you to sound the idea out with a parent or friend. If you are still not sure what it is all about, then contact us and ask more questions until you understand the process: 1. Fill out the forms; 2. Come along to meet the staff; 3. Come along to meet mentors and other young men; 4. Work with us to choose a mentor that feels right to you; and 5. Catch up with that mentor 2-3 times a month and keep us informed about how it's going. What is a Mentor? A mentor is a bit like an uncle or an older brother. They are not a counsellor or a replacement father, and they are certainly not there to tell you how to live your life. Mentors are people who will stand up for you and stick with you, whether things are good or bad. What is a Mentor good for? A mentor will spend time with you doing shared activities like playing sport, fishing, playing computer games, or working on a project like fixing a push bike. You will have the opportunity to discover your potential. You will learn some basic leadership skills. Mentors are often great listeners, and they will be able to hear you talk about your life without giving you unwanted advice. Being mentored is a chance for you to teach the mentor about what it is like to be a young man or boy growing up in the world. Your experiences of life can help the mentor share experiences he would not normally have. If you do project mentoring you have a chance to give something to your society. By doing that, you show leadership and help our community. I don't want a mentor! That's no problem, the final decision about mentoring is all yours, and if you think mentoring isn't for you, that's alright with us. We have other things you can get involved in that might work better for you... We've got a lot more going on than just mentoring. You might prefer to try other things at Menslink before jumping straight into having a mentor. You can start with one of our group activities. These happen at weekly World Game Soccer games and the Bicycle Repair Workshop. The World Games The World Games is a weekly soccer game for young people, particularly those from migrant and refugee backgrounds, and can provide you with an opportunity to meet with and chat to a range of community workers, or just to have fun playing soccer. Bike Repair Workshop The Bike Repair Workshop gives you the opportunity to develop your skills repairing and maintaining bicycles, and the chance to chat and hang out with the community workers and volunteers who also participate. Bicycles are donated to the Bike Repair Workshop, repaired by the participants and then donated back into the community to a worthy cause. You could be a part of one of these programs! Contact us to find out how to get involved. |