Teenage years can be tough - loneliness and disconnection, the impacts of bullying, lack of confidence, lack of engagement and lack of hope are observed in many young adolescents. Many more suffer in silence. After 10 years running early intervention Youth Mentoring Programs in schools throughout Queensland, Raise has proven that individual, evidence-based mentoring during the important early adolescent years, 13 – 16, can change young people’s paths and transform lives.
An independently conducted control group study confirmed that Raise Youth Mentoring improves the skills young people need to survive and thrive in adolescence.
Staff from Queensland schools who run Raise Youth Mentoring Programs agree.
School Principal Mick Leigh shares his thoughts.
“Like all young people, our students experience challenges with their wellbeing and mental health. They are also finding their role in a very complex, modern society and experience the typical changes of becoming a teenager, with all the self-doubt, sense of isolation and questions of belonging that come with it.
“Some of our young people have difficult family situations, past trauma, are dealing with anxiety and other mental health concerns, whilst social media continues to contribute to friendship issues, self-esteem concerns, and disordered sleep patterns.
“After completing Raise Youth Mentoring, the biggest change is the level of confidence the students leave the program with. The students thoroughly enjoy their time with their mentor and establish a connection that helps with trusting others and an appreciation of people of different ages with different backgrounds to themselves. In finding more connections with others, and a greater connection to themselves, they are supported to be more comfortable with who they are.”
Brendan Barlow, School Principal shares his thoughts about the positive impact Raise Youth Mentoring has had in his school
“Raise one-on-one mentoring is particularly beneficial for our students because it provides individualised attention during a crucial developmental period. This age group is navigating complex emotional, academic, and social changes, and having a mentor who can guide them through these transitions can offer valuable support.
“Personalised mentorship allows students to openly discuss challenges they might not feel comfortable sharing in a group setting, fostering a deeper sense of trust and connection. Additionally, a mentor can help build essential skills such as goal-setting, decision-making, and problem-solving, which are all crucial as they develop their independence.
“Raise Youth Mentoring has been brilliant. Having community members serve as mentors is beneficial because it introduces students to diverse perspectives and experiences outside of the school environment. Community mentors often have real-world experience and can offer practical advice, career insights, or life lessons that staff might not be able to provide. Their involvement also strengthens ties between students and their broader community, creating a sense of support and belonging that extends beyond the school walls.
“I value programs like Raise because they focus on proactively helping kids address and overcome challenges before they become overwhelming.
Instead of waiting for problems to escalate, Raise offers guidance and mentorship that supports students in managing their concerns early on, empowering them to navigate difficult situations with confidence and resilience.”
Queensland School Guidance Officer Maree Peppin speaks about the challenges of early high school years and how Raise can help.
“We run the Raise Youth Mentoring Program with our Year 7 students to support their transition into high school. This period can be challenging as students face a range of new experiences, including increased academic workload, greater expectations, and the need to manage their time effectively. These pressures can contribute to stress, anxiety, and fear of failure.
“In addition to academic demands, students must also navigate changing social dynamics—making new friends, fitting in, managing peer pressure or bullying, and beginning to explore and develop their own identity.
“Over the years, the Raise Youth Mentoring Program has made a significant, positive impact on our students, particularly those experiencing anxiety, depression, bullying, or disengagement. Through regular one-on-one mentoring sessions, students have built greater confidence in seeking help, improved their ability to manage stress, and developed a stronger sense of belonging and connection to school life.
“We would like to sincerely thank the Raise mentors for generously volunteering their time. Their support is helping our students become more resilient, engaged, and empowered to build a positive future.”
