Bump

Bump

Our young mums mentoring program is for pregnant and parenting girls aged between 13 and 23. Called ‘Bump’, this program is a fun way to meet other young mums, have some much needed ‘me’ time and gain the support of a mentor who is an experienced mum from the community. Bump offers weekly mentoring and workshops, with activities such as cooking, art and pamper sessions. Bump also offers skill-building in budgeting, legal rights, education, and employment. Bump is free to attend, snacks are supplied and on-site babysitting is provided.

View an outline of our Bump Program Diagram for more information and our Bump Curriculum Model to see the workshop topics that are covered.

“ I was a mum at 20 and suffered post-natal depression as a result of isolation and my daughter’s health issues. We were luckily introduced to Bump in 2015. I have had the greatest mentors who have been there for me, encouraging me to take the steps towards achieving my dream of teaching. Without my mentors I would have been alone in a town where I came to live knowing no-one.  I now have friends and connections “ Bump Mentee 2015/2016 

“Bump is the first place that I have felt safe, welcomed and not judged as a young mum. I want to come back again next year!” Bump Mentee 2016/2017

 “Going to Bump group, where I was encouraged and told I was something, has made the world of difference to my life”  Bump Mentee 2018

In 2019 we are running 8 Bump programs across 6 states. All young mums are invited to come to our workshops to check out the program. A full list of locations and Program Coordinator contact details are listed below. Alternatively, please email us at hello@raise.org.au to register your interest in our next workshop.

Bump Narrabeen, Sydney NSW (north)
Kate Graham
kate.graham@raise.org.au

Bump Parramatta, Sydney NSW (west)
Kate Graham
kate.graham@raise.org.au

Bump Geelong, Geelong VIC (north)
Jo Ridgeway
jo.ridgeway@raise.org.au

Bump Wyndham, Melbourne VIC (west)
Michelle Polidano
michelle.polidano@raise.org.au

Bump Woodridge, Logan QLD (south)
Dollores Palavra
dollores.palavra@raise.org.au

Bump Angle Park, Adelaide SA (west)
Jo Ridgeway
jo.ridgeway@raise.org.au

Bump Armadale, Perth WA
Rebecca Lyon
rebecca.lyon@raise.org.au

Bump Hobart, Hobart City TAS
Kate McKenna
kate.mckenna@raise.org.au

How Does Bump Work?

Young mums meet with their mentor each week in school-term time for a catch up. Our mentors are experienced mums that young mums can chat to about anything at all, have some time out with, and ask questions of.  They are someone on the girls’ side and are only interested in supporting young mums and encouraging them. They won’t give advice unless they’re asked for it.

The girls and mentors also complete workshops together which provide a great support network, as the girls can meet other young mums in their area. Mentor matches can be made at any time during the year. We celebrate the conclusion of the program with a fantastic graduation celebration in September where all the girls and their mentors come together and celebrate their achievements.

All of our mentors complete our best practice Mentor Training Course, are phone interviewed and obtain a compulsory Working With Children Check and National Crime Check.

Young mums can refer themselves to the program, or they can be invited to attend by community workers who feel they might benefit from having a neutral positive role model in their lives. The young mums choose whether they would like to be involved and if so, complete an application. The program is completely free for young mums. Raise works closely with social workers, midwives, youth workers, caseworkers and community organisations who make referrals to our program.