12–18 years
PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
- IN-SCHOOL MENTORING
- BIG BUCKETS – BALGA
- BASE 12
- FUTURE LEADERS
Our programs are designed to support our young people using the 12 Buckets model based on the Circle of Courage which is guided by the four core key pillars of: Belonging, Mastery, Generosity, and Independence.
IN-SCHOOL MENTORING
In our in-school mentoring program, volunteer mentors help our young people discover and grow their unique strengths, building their confidence and resilience.
Using a village approach, mentors form meaningful relationships with a small group of young people during school hours at one of our partner schools—and support the same group as they move through the years.
Our mentors bring kindness, compassion, and curiosity. For a young person facing significant challenges, this simple act can make a world of difference.
For our young people aged 12–18, we provide in-school mentoring at Balga Senior High School every Thursday and Friday. This allows many students who participated in 12 Buckets during primary school to continue their journey with the same mentors as they transition into high school.
Cost: Free
When: 1 hour every week during the school term and within school hours on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.
Where: In our designated 12 Buckets room within our partner school.
Who: Young people currently attending one of our partner schools and referred to our program by these schools.
THANK YOU to Communities for Children for their generous support of our In-School Mentoring programs in our partner primary schools, and to Impact100 WA for their support of our In-School Mentoring program at Balga Senior High School.
BIG BUCKETS - BALGA
Big Buckets is our drop in community mentoring program that commenced in 2018 and is designed to make sure that the good work forged in the 12 Buckets in-school mentoring program continues to build and prosper as a young person moves into higher education.
The program operates out of school hours and our volunteer mentors and staff create a fun, supportive and relaxed environment for our young people as they navigate the path to adulthood.
The program aims to provide stability and support for young people transitioning to high school, ensuring they maintain relationships with their mentors.
Year 6 students are encouraged to join Big Buckets while still in the in-school mentoring program. This helps them meet peers who may attend the same high school, building connections and finding familiar faces before their transition.
The Big Buckets program consists to:
- Foster connection among young people
- Create a safe and welcoming space
- Provide activities that encourage peer interaction
Our goal is a closed-loop process, where our young people in Big Buckets eventually become mentors for future participants.
Cost: Free
When: Every Tuesday during school term from 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Where: Balga Community Centre (81 Camberwell Road, Balga)
Who: All young people aged 11–18 in Balga and nearby areas, regardless of enrolment at a 12 Buckets partner school.
BASE 12
Base 12 is a drop-in youth mentoring program that fosters connections among young people and prepares them for weekends when most supports are unavailable. It offers a safe, supportive space with engaging activities to encourage peer interaction.
Cost: Free
When: Every Friday during school term from 3.00pm – 6.00pm
Where: Balga Community Centre (81 Camberwell Road, Balga)
Who: All young people aged 11–18 in Balga and nearby areas, regardless of enrolment at a 12 Buckets partner school.
FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAM
The 12 Buckets Future Leaders Program has a clear purpose: to enable young people to build a strong future and fulfil their potential while giving back to their community and becoming positive role models.
Being part of the Future Leaders program empowers our young people to know that they can make positive changes in their local community. Future Leaders are involved in planning for events such as Bunnings sausage sizzle, speaking at our sundowners and being part of the think tank for our school holiday programs.
Future Leaders provide a safe and supportive environment that addresses the concerns and needs of young people. This includes providing resources and referrals in key areas such as employment, education, mental health, cost of living, environmental concerns, and homelessness.
Cost: Free
When: Every Wednesday during school term from 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Where: Balga Community Centre (81 Camberwell Road, Balga)
Who: All young people aged 11–18 in Balga and nearby areas, regardless of enrolment at a 12 Buckets partner school.
