The Wyatt Trust Backs 1:1 Mentoring and Support Pilot

RCA, working with Di-Monty Training Solutions, is developing and implementing a 1:1 Mentoring and Support Initiative across our community development programs in Mount Gambier.

This initiative has been given valuable backing by The Wyatt Trust, who have been a strong supporter of RCA’s workforce exclusion projects in Mount Gambier 2016-2017.

The 1:1 initiative comprises a number of related support functions, including psychological and emotional support, professional advice and support, mentoring, independent advocacy, and specific program support.

In 2018 The Wyatt Trust is supporting a Pilot 1:1 mentoring program in the ongoing Business Planning Workshop. This program, which is in its second year, has been developed by RCA to assist people wishing to establish their own businesses to develop business, structural, operational, and funding plans. The Pilot will comprise three workshop deliveries, with a team of three mentors supporting up to 27 course participants. Workforce-excluded people are particular encouraged to attend.

We will be recruiting mentors from the Mount Gambier area, and hope to draw on people with a range of experience and skill sets.  All mentors will receive training when they enter the program, through the Mentoring In The Workplace certification offered by Di-Monty.  In addition, targeted training will be provided for each specialised area. The mentor group will also meet together with RCA and Di-Monty advisors to share experience and workshop solutions to challenges and advances in the programs.

It is anticipated that, with successful completion of the pilot, the 1:1 initiative will be extended to four further programs in 2019:

1. Finding Your Feet–Di-Monty’s well-established program to assist people in establishing a lived experience foundation for moving into employment pathways.
2. Correctional Release Support Program–this program works with people who have completed Di-Monty’s pre-release program, to provide them with 1:1 support during the critical early pre-release stage, moving into the establishment of life foundations and employment pathways.
3. Indigenous Support Program–this program will work alongside local Aboriginal elders and senior workers to support  indigenous youth is establishing life skills and employment pathways.
4. Senior Women Support Program–this program will work with older women who are dealing with isolation and other forms of disadvantage, to offer them a range of lived experience supports.