shapeMentor and Student Guess Who

Mentoring

Become a Volunteer Mentor in our In-School and Community Mentoring Program.

Becoming a mentor is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our young people in just one hour per week.

Mentors create positive change but also grow and learn through the experience themselves.

Our mentoring focuses on identifying and building on our young people’s strengths through fun activities like art, cooking, board games, Lego, music, and sports.

We use a “village approach” to mentoring, which means you might work with up to 4 young people at a time in your session.

By joining our community of dedicated mentors, you’ll help shape brighter futures and make a lasting impact, one meaningful connection at a time.

  • No prior experience required – we provide full training and support.
  • Time commitment: Just 1 hour per week during school terms with a 1-year overall commitment.
  • Flexible scheduling: Tailored to suit your lifestyle.
  • On-site School Liaisons: 12 Buckets staff are always there to support you during every mentoring session.
  • Supportive community: Access to a private Facebook group for sharing thoughts and feedback, invitations to sundowner events to meet other volunteers and staff.
  • Resources provided: A mentor handbook filled with tips and activities to help you get started.
  • Dedicated 12 Buckets room: In each of our partner schools we have a separate, dedicated room filled with toys, games, beanbags and a stocked kitchen. 

 

Program Details:

  • When: 1-hour sessions weekly during school hours on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday during school terms. There is no mentoring during the school holiday periods.
  • Where: At our partner schools located in Balga, Girrawheen, Koondoola, and Mirrabooka.

Mentor Requirements:

  • Aged 18+ 
  • Commitment: 1 hour per week for 12 months (school terms only).
  • Characteristics: Kindness, patience, curiosity, and an open mind.
  • Mandatory Clearances: Working with Children Check, National Police Clearance, and Department of Education Clearance. These clearances can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to process. 

 

shapeSUPPORTING OUR MENTORS

SUPPORTING OUR MENTORS

We want every mentor to feel supported, prepared, and connected during their journey with us. Explore the range of resources we’ve gathered to help you along the way. No matter if you’re new to mentoring or have years of experience, you’ll always have access to the tools and support you need to make a meaningful impact.

Mentor Resources

Common Questions

You’ll pick up your young people from their classroom and walk with them to the 12 Buckets room, a vibrant space filled with toys and games. Together, you’ll choose a fun activity to enjoy and connect over during your one-hour session.
12 Buckets follows The Circle of Courage, focusing on the universal growth needs of Belonging, Mastery, Generosity, and Independence. Using a "village" approach allows our mentors create a nurturing environment where our young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
The process takes about two weeks, depending on how quickly your clearances are approved and once your in-person induction is completed.
Mentoring requires just 1 hour per week during school terms, with an initial 12-month commitment.
No special skills are needed—just a willingness to listen and support.
Yes, we encourage mentors to commit to at least 12 months to build a trusting relationship. As our young people transition from Primary School, they can join Big Buckets, allowing you to continue mentoring outside of school.
Your School Liaison Officer will handle such situations. Report any disclosures to them immediately.
Ranging from Year 1 to Year 12, with mentoring sessions usually grouping up to four young people of similar ages.
You’ll complete a one-hour induction with the Volunteer Coordinator and receive a Mentor Handbook. For your first session, the Volunteer Coordinator will introduce you to the School Liaison Officer, who will support you during all sessions. Mentor resources are available online, and a 12 Buckets staff member will always be present during your session.
That is absolutely fine and our young people enjoy hearing about your adventures when you return. Just inform us of your schedule, and we’ll adjust accordingly.

Become a Mentor – Apply Now!

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