March 3rd, 2026Young people in Victoria are facing overwhelming issues

Young people in Victoria are facing overwhelming issues like anxiety, depression, loneliness, isolation, lack of confidence and lack of hope. 
Some of them are struggling in silence and some are trying to navigate these issues on their own.
Without the life skills and experience to steer them safely through the early teen years, the consequences can be serious.
Most adolescent suicides occur between the ages of 15 and 17, so early intervention is critical.
In fact the Minderoo Foundation’s ‘Cost of Late Intervention Report’ highlighted the urgent need for early intervention services, with Nicola Forrest AO saying “Early intervention not only reduces long-term costs but
also improves life outcomes for hundreds of thousands of children and young people. By failing to intervene early, we miss the chance to achieve better outcomes.”

Help
Raise provides that early intervention at the time when it is needed most, providing professionally trained, community volunteers and a robustly developed and evaluated program to support young people aged 13-
16.
The Raise program works to support and address the individual’s needs, with each young person having one-toto-one support from a safety checked and professionally trained volunteer mentor. They meet each week for
one hour over two school terms.
The mentors also have a one hour support session with their Program Counsellor and other mentors and have access to the Program Counsellor at all times, during and between the sessions.
So that’s just 2 hours a week for two terms.

There are young people in schools in Armstrong Creek, Broadford, Broadmeadows, Diamond Creek, Epping, Kew, Viewbank, Wallan and elsewhere who desperately need a volunteer mentor.
Every year, evaluation shows that Mentors develop skills which they use to improve their own lives, connections and relationships. So each mentor changes two lives each year. A young person’s and their
own.
Mentors benefit from:
Meaningful Connections – Strong relationships with young individuals seeking guidance and support.
Positive Impact – Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, helping them overcome
challenges and achieve their goals.
Training and Resources – Receive industry-leading mentor training and resources to support you to be an
effective and impactful mentor.
Personal Growth – Enhance your communication, leadership, and mentoring skills while contributing to the
development of the next generation.
Networking – Connect with a diverse community of mentors and professionals who share your passion for
empowering young people..
Raise media release
Mentoring is a great way to meet like-minded people and build new connections. In 2025:
99% of mentors felt a sense of contribution to their community
97% felt an increased sense of purpose
95% improved their listening and communication skills
91% felt more connected to their community
85% have more skills to help them in the workforce
82% have improved their parenting skills
74% have increased social networks
73% have improved their leadership skills
To learn more about becoming a volunteer mentor with Raise and apply, please visit www.raise.org.au