Volunteers sought for Big Brother Big Sister campaign
Ireland’s leading youth organisation, Foróige, is calling on people in Galway to volunteer to become a big brother or big sister in the recently-launched ‘BigBrother BigSister’ campaign by giving up just two hours of their time per week.
Volunteers will hang out with and provide positive support to a teenager who has signed up to the programme. The whole campaign is centred on the idea that “you can’t change the world, but you can change someone’s world”.
The campaign is affiliated to the BBBS international programme and aims to support young people from age 10 to 18 by pairing them up with someone who would take on the role of a big brother or sister offering mentoring, guidance and friendship.
This particular campaign was launched in June of this year by Glenda Gilson and comedian Andrew Stanley. Foróige itself has been helping young people since 1952.
Volunteers who take part in the campaign will aim to help their little brother or sister with a variety of adolescent issues, offering advice and helping them manoeuvre through their teenage years.
“The programme helps steer young people away from the wrong path and point them in the right direction,” said Foróige’s Head of Marketing Aidan Haughey.
“The little brothers and little sisters are matched up with someone who shares their same interests and acts like a big brother or big sister, giving them advice, hanging out with them, taking them to games and generally giving them someone to look up to and turn to whenever they need it.
“Foróige also provide learning opportunities which enable youths to gain knowledge and develop new skills.”
Volunteers can sign up via the Foróige website at www.foroige.ie/BBBS and will go through a vetting process before being trained and matched up with a suitable little brother or sister.
“The volunteer will be facilitated to establish a supportive relationship with the young person, aimed at assisting them in their development, and will receive ongoing support from a staff member for the duration of their involvement,” said Mr Haughey.
“Volunteers then are asked to give on average just two hours per week to spend time with their little brother or sister.”
While the benefits for the little brother and sister are obvious, the volunteers who become big brothers and sisters will also benefit from the campaign.
“The volunteers very often gain a lifelong friend as well as helping to change someone’s life. It is ideal for those who want to help people or do something worthwhile without having to dedicate much of their spare time,” said Mr Haughey.
“The time given by volunteers is, on average, just two hours per week and can often be as simple as catching a movie or playing a game of pool. Volunteers can help build someone’s self-esteem and confidence and share their own experiences of growing up to mentor someone along the way.”
To get involved, contact Foróige at [email protected] or complete a form online. Clubs are supported by Regional Youth Officers and the Galway regional office is located in the Westside Community Resource Centre. Alternatively, you can call the Foróige Head Office at (01) 6301560.
■ More information on Foróige can be found at www.foroige.ie.