Power of Mentoring Inspiring Brighter Futures

A network of dedicated mentors across Queensland is making a difference in the lives of young people and adults in need.

Two main programs are being delivered by the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation with one-on-one mentoring being a core component to two main groups: school-aged young people and the long-term unemployed.

Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation is a non-profit organisation working toward a vision of an inclusive community that supports people to inspire a brighter future. The Foundation’s purpose is to mentor, support, and inspire people in local communities to move their lives Onwards & Upwards.

Through one-on-one mentoring, the Foundation works to inspire participants to imagine, plan, and achieve a more satisfying, balanced, and brighter future.

Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation founder and CEO John Godwin said the Foundation is delighted with the results and the increase in engagement and positive outlook demonstrated by participants with mentoring central in the delivery of the programs.

“Young people and the unemployed are facing many challenges and the opportunity to work with a mentor in a structured program is delivering results through these programs,” Godwin said.

“The social problems we see every day for young people and those unable to enter the workforce are multi-dimensional.”

“In a world where guidance and support can make all the difference, mentoring is a powerful tool for success.”

From 2009 to date, the Foundation has run 289 programs and utilised 680 volunteer mentors, 485 of whom are active, delivering over 58,000 hours of mentoring. In total, 7,144 participants have had their lives transformed.

Godwin said that the feedback from mentors showed how valuable the sessions are in listening, supporting and using their own life experience to help give something back to others.

Attributes mentors work with students in developing include – outlook on life, motivation to succeed, engagement with school, developing trusting relationships with adults, setting and achieving goals, and positive relationships with peers and teachers.

Mentors Shaping Perspectives and Helping Overcome Obstacles

Mentor Ken Melia said: “We are demonstrating to young kids that there is a way to value-base their life which will serve them well into the future.

“We are showing them from our collective experience that they will face challenges and they will require faith in the values to assist them get through the challenges that life will throw at them. I trust that we are showing them elements of what a role model should do for a young person. I believe we are providing them with a tool kit that should if used wisely, allow them to shape a better life for themselves moving forward.

“I have found that the kids I have encountered have never been asked to think about the topics we discuss with them and how fundamental these topics are for them to understand and appraise their lives.

“The hours I spend mentoring are the most rewarding hours of my week.”

Mentor Eugenie MacMillan said: “Mentoring reminds the individuals involved of the importance of having anchoring values and encourages people to embrace becoming the best version of themselves graciously with self-compassion and forgiveness.

In Brisbane, former Mabel Park State High School deputy principal Phil Hayton said that the school’s program was important in increasing their students’ engagement and attendance. As part of the FlexiSchool program, some students completed a self-development and mentoring program run by the Foundation.

“The program mentors helped each of them understand their values and assisted with goal setting as part of the program,” Hayton said.

“The students have said they valued the program mentor wanting to hear their story and be interested in their future and progress.”

The Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation plans to hold over 80 programs in 2025, focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers.

For more information visit: inspiringbrighterfutures.com

ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828440 [email protected]