Raise Foundation Graduation at Cressy

In November eight year 8 students from Cressy High School graduated from the Raise Foundation’s Youth Mentoring program.

Students and members of the school and local community came together for an emotional celebration and reflection on how this unique program has positively impacted them.

During the ceremony, the mentors and mentees were awarded with a certificate of participation and given the opportunity to show their gratitude to one another in front of an audience.

According to Mission Australia’s 2023 Youth Survey, 25 per cent of young Tasmanians have mental health challenges, 23 per cent are lonely most of the time and 21 per cent say where they live is a barrier to them.

Raise mentors turn up each week for their mentees, offering a listening, non-judgemental ear and equipping young people with lifelong skills for a brighter future. The program is run by a highly qualified Raise Program Counsellor who provides training and support to these community volunteers.

In Northern Tasmania, the Raise Youth Mentoring Program is fully funded by the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF). It is a five-year commitment for two schools this year, growing to four schools in 2025 – 2028.

Tasmanian Community Fund Chairperson, Sally Darke said the program is playing a vital role in keeping young people in Cressy engaged in learning, a key plank in the Fund’s strategy.

“Years eight and nine are a pivotal and vulnerable time in a young person’s life and this evidence based mentoring program is helping increase resilience and hope for the future in the mentees involved,” she said.

“The young people being matched with a trained volunteer mentor gives them the support and encouragement to improve their mental health, social and emotional wellbeing and school engagement.

This is an important milestone for an important program and we’re looking forward to seeing it flourish into the future.” Michelle Tuck, Raise’s Tasmanian State Manager said it is wonderful to hear feedback from the school, the students and the community about the impact the program is having.

“Our mission is to offer more young people in Northern Tasmania access to a mentor next year and beyond. Heartfelt thanks to the TCF for enabling that,” she said.

Raise relies on volunteers from the local community to put up their hand to mentor. After your application is approved, you’ll receive industry-leading mentor training (with a full accreditation) and be supported through out by Raise’s highly qualified Program Counsellors. All you need to give is your time, at the same time, each week.

Program times locked in for 2025 at Cressy District High School are Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Scottsdale High School’s program is run on Wednesdays from 9.10am – 11.10am.

Find out more and apply now at www.raise.org.au