Raise is an early intervention, wellbeing program that uses trusted mentors to assist young people to overcome the challenges they are facing now and equip them with go-to strategies and tools that they can use for life. The program has been running nationally since 2008 and here, at Bowral High and Moss Vale High since 2020. The Southern Highlands Community Foundation is a proud supporter and one of the key funders of this very important program. We chatted with Brooke McGee, Program Councillor / Program Community Manager find out more about Raise.
Tell me about the program here in the Highlands
The Raise program has been running for over 5 years in the Highlands and is available for Year 8 students at both Bowral High and Moss Vale High. This year there are 16 participants in the program in each school (the highest number we’ve had to date). The Mentor / Mentee relationship helps to foster trust and connection, building confidence and resilience long-term.
Who is the program helpful for?
The program helps to identify and support young people who may be struggling. Students may be disengaged, feeling isolated, overwhelmed or experiencing issues at school or with friendships that are impacting their mental health and wellbeing. The program offers them a safe space with a trained Mentor to talk.
What does the program look like?
The Raise program is introduced to the whole Year 8 cohort in Term 1. Students can self-refer to the program or be referred by a teacher. Students are matched with a mentor based on the student’s preference after meeting all the mentors at the Jitters session (first session of the program) where they play group activities to get to know each other. Shared hobbies, interests, and male or female preference also plays a part in the matching process.
The program itself runs for 20 weeks from the first week of Term 2 and each session is young person led, meaning the mentee may feel like discussing their current challenges/issues or they may just feel like chatting informally, playing Uno or discussing a topic of their choosing. Mentees may set a goal to work on with their Mentor throughout the 20-week program. The important thing is that the program provides consistency and a safe space with a trusted mentor each week that’s solely about them.
How has the SHCF been involved?
The SHCF has been a supporter and one of the key funders of Raise since we began in the Highlands. Without their backing, we simply wouldn’t be able to provide the vital support our young people need as they navigate the many challenges of adolescence. Their commitment helps us make a meaningful difference in the lives of students across the Southern Highlands.
What’s next for Raise?
It’s been an exciting year this year with the launch of Raise Digital, an online program that gives young people access to our in-school programs from anywhere. These might be those that learn from home, are disengaged from school or are unable to access our program due to their location. The program is open to a broader age group too (ages 13-16) and offers free, flexible online sessions at a time that suits. Read more about Raise Digital here.
Why a mentoring program?
Sadly, statistics show that young Australians are facing mental health challenges that for some can become overwhelming; 1 in 4 young people will experience bullying, 1 in 6 feel negative about the future, 1 in 12 are disengaged from education, and with suicide the leading cause of death for young people in Australia, the importance of early intervention cannot be underestimated. The teenage years are tough, but having a Mentor can change everything. Research has shown that a caring, non-parental Mentor helps teens build resilience, belonging and hope for the future.
What makes a great Mentor?
Mentors don’t tell young people what to do – they listen, encourage and empower them to build the skills and confidence to navigate the challenges they are facing. There is no age barrier, in the Highlands our youngest Mentor is 24 and our oldest is 84! We are looking for Mentors now, so if you feel inspired to get involved in changing a young life for the better, please find our more and apply here Become a Youth Mentor
How do you measure the impact of the program?
We survey the students each year. In 2024, of our 10 students at Moss Vale High, 100% felt better about themselves as a result of the program, 100% enjoyed the program and would recommend it to a friend and 89% of mentees that identified personal issues feel the program has helped them cope. Raise evaluations and reports can be found here.
What the Mentees think
“That they don’t judge me”
“Having a good chat and having that little extra help in life”
“I love having someone to talk to, I enjoy being able to trust and laugh with her”
“I look forward to Raise a lot, me and (friend) haven’t stopped talking about it all week”
“I love coming every week, I look forward to it and can’t wait for period 3 on a Friday!”
The Raise program wraps up each year with a Graduation Ceremony in September and we look forward to sharing some stories from this year’s students and mentors then.
For more information about Raise visit https://www.raise.org.au/
