Funding to YWCA's Big Sister Big Brother Project in Perth

30/9/96

Family and Children's Services has agreed to fund the YWCA's Big Sister Big Brother Project in Perth to provide services until mid-1998.

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes announced today that the department had signed an agreement with the service which guaranteed it $12,116 a year until June 30, 1998.

Mrs Edwardes said the project gave young people who were socially isolated from their peers, and often their families, opportunities to develop community responsibility and gave them skills to make positive decisions.

"Young people in this project develop self-esteem through innovative personal development courses," she said.

"The Big Sister Big Brother mentor program trains young adult volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 years to work with young people who do not have social skills and who are socially disadvantaged.

"The mentor is matched with the young person to provide a positive role model. At the same time, the mentor offers friendship, support, encouragement and creative personal development opportunities.

"All of which give the young people a feeling of self-worth and self-esteem which in turn benefit the community."

Mrs Edwardes said she believed the agreement marked the continuation of a good relationship which would benefit the community through valuable programs and courses to meet specific needs.

Funding for the program was part of the department's commitment to supporting young people in the community.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777