Sparkways is a social purpose organisation, delivering early learning, mentoring and supported employment pathways for the vulnerable and those at risk of or experiencing disadvantage. Sparkways Mentoring aims to provide young people aged 7-20, with positive experiences. It is designed to help young people flourish by connecting them with a positive role model, who they can trust to provide social support, friendship and encouragement.
The young person and their mentor catch up at least once a fortnight for a minimum of two hours, over a 12 month period. During this time, the match is fully supported by our Program Coordinators and the young people are encouraged to set goals, try out new things and, most importantly, have fun.
In developing a stable and trusting relationship with a mentor, young people are given the crucial support and encouragement they need to develop their own sense of independence, resilience, and self-confidence.
Every mentor is carefully screened to ensure they can provide a safe and respectful environment for our young people. Our screening process is compulsory for all mentors and includes the follow steps:
We currently have 20 young people in the following suburbs awaiting a mentor:
Catch ups can be weekly or fortnightly and are flexible with the day and time.
The program has no fee for participating. Low or No Cost activities are encouraged as costs incurred on a match catch up are the responsibility of the mentor and the young person, where possible.
Individual.
To register your interest in this opportunity please contact:
Via email mentoring@sparkways.org.au
Or via https://sparkways.org.au/mentoring/become-a-mentor and click “Become a Mentor Today” to register your interest
As an ACU staff member, you can apply for up to five days each year to participate in approved community engagement activities that contribute to the common good, address social justice issues in the community, and help those experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation.
This policy has been developed to support staff to participate in community engagement activities and outlines time release arrangements during normal working hours.
Read nowHow do I apply for CETR? How does ACU define community engagement? Get answers to your frequently asked questions and make the most of your community engagement opportunity.
Learn moreLearn more about ACU Engagement, including our mission to provide meaningful engagement opportunities and how to contact us.
Meet ACU EngagementLearn more about how ACU defines community engagement, the principles that guide us, and why it is so important.
Learn moreCommunity giving allows staff and students to connect to a need within the community through donating goods.
Learn moreDiscover our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of the human person, and the common good.
Learn more
We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday
If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.