Take a deep dive into our annual and evaluation report for 2021. You can see the impact our mentoring programs made; find out about partners, schools, mentors and people that made it all possible and read all about the insights and findings from our rigorous evaluation.
raise.org.au
Raise acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as traditional custodians of the lands and waterways on which our programs are delivered. We pay our respects to elders past, present, and emerging and acknowledge the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in mentoring and nurturing our young people. Raise acknowledges and honours the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We pledge to create and maintain an environment that celebrates diversity and equality and is inclusive for all. Raise Foundation is a Registered Australian Charity We provide mentoring programs for young people in high schools across Australia. Our mentoring programs provide a community of support around young people. Mentoring from a positive role model during the critical teenage years provides a nurturing pathway for young people to feel supported. @raisefoundation (02) 7208 8337 @raisefoundation hello@raise.org.au
© Copyright Raise Foundation 2024 Mentee Activities Book Last updated: 21 May 2025 R0354-RAISE-10WKFTFMENTEEHANDBOOK2025-21 For Raise Foundation In School Digital Youth Mentoring Programs
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 2
me
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 3
Welcome • Introduction to Raise mentoring
We want you to feel safe, respected and comfortable throughout the duration of the program. We’ve listed some important info on the next page, but if you have a question, ask your mentor!
We are very excited to have you!
Raise Foundation | 2022 Mentee activities handbook 4 | Mentee activities handbook
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
IMPORTANT INFORMATiON • It takes courage to do something new – so first off, it’s awesome that you’re here! • It’s about getting to know someone new, who is here to listen to you without judgment – your mentor. • This handbook can support you throughout the program, to explore topics, set goals and learn new skills. You don’t have to use it every week – but it's here to use as a reference if you want to copy down answers in your own notebook. • The program will run on the same day and time each week. • Your mentor will start each session with a fun activity or some questions to get you thinking • Your mentor is a volunteer! That means they are not paid for their time with you. YOUR PRIVACY • You can talk to your mentor about anything you want! What you share with them is kept private, with a few exceptions: • The first exception is mentor supervision, when mentors may share some details about you with the Case Manager, to get the appropriate support required to fulfill their role. This stays between the mentor and the Case Manager. • The second exception is if your mentor is concerned that you or someone you know is at significant risk of harm. • If this is the case, they will let the Case Manager know so they can best support you and make sure everyone is kept safe.
• They have chosen to be your mentor because they care about making a difference in a young person’s life. • Your mentor is properly trained and abides by a code of conduct. • Your mentor will show up for you each week for the duration of the program, same time, and place. It’s important that you do too! • If you are unsure about ANYTHING, you Mentor or Case Manager are here to answer your questions. • Don’t forget to be kind and respectful towards other members of the group, your mentor, and yourself. • We want you to experience the program as an inclusive, engaging, and fun space. Let us know if we’re missing the mark!
• In some cases, this will include informing other Raise staff or staff at your school. You will always be informed if this needs to happen. • The third exception is if your match is really special, or you and your mentor experience something that will inspire others and Raise wants to share your ‘positive match story’. You will both be asked for consent before this happens. • If you’re ever unsure about your privacy, your mentor or Case Manager can answer your questions.
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 5
Welcome • The mentee journey snapshot
MEET AND MATCH
Flip
Me
Help
Support and courage
Risk
Ask
Hope
GRADUATE!
Review
Raise Foundation | 2022 Mentee activities handbook 6 | Mentee activities handbook
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 7 | raise.org.au
Meet and match • Getting to know each other
Your mentor wants to get to know you and listen to you without JUDGEMENT!
They are someone to meet with every week who you can talk to about anything. You can ask them questions and explore your goals or dreams with them.
This is your book to use throughout the Program. It will be stored online, and you can copy down any of the activities to respond to in your own book or notepad.
It might feel strange at first to talk with a new person, but you’re building a relationship together. Trust the process and remember it’s okay to feel awkward or unsure at the beginning!
Raise Foundation | 2022 Mentee activities handbook 8 | Mentee activities handbook
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
The program aims to support you to: • Develop your communication skills • Identify goals and work towards them • Feel confident about the decisions you make • Learn new things about yourself • Overcome obstacles that might come your way • Increase your involvement in school, work or community • Find a trusted person that you can talk to
In our spare time, we like to:
Some of our favourite people are:
Some of our favourite things are:
More ‘getting to know you’ questions here
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 9
Meet and match • Match agreement
What I'd like to get out of mentoring What image or feeling comes to mind? Write or draw
Is there anything we should know about each other from the beginning? Both mentee and mentor share
How we plan to treat each other... Circle the words that best represent how you'd like to treat each other and what you'd like to get out of the program:
With kindness, with respect, build trust over time,
have someone to talk to, chill out, have fun, relax, explore goals,
feel supported, laugh together, feel safe and comfortable,
be free to express myself, develop confidence, develop communication skills,
explore friendships, talk about family, be creativE...
Add your own words here: maybe you speak a different language at home, maybe you use different words with your friends!
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 10
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 11
Meet and match • Match agreement
“Blobs are the best of us, and the worst of us. They don’t tell us what we should do, or what we shouldn’t do… they just show us a whole range of how people can feel.” – Pip Wilson
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 12
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Have you ever struggled to come up with the words to describe how you’re feeling? This wheel can help you name, identify and ultimately cope with those emotions. Naming our emotions assists us in developing a ‘toolbox’ of coping skills, e.g., ”I feel sad, I know this because I feel the urge to cry. I am going to spend time with my dog or reach out to a friend because I know this helps lift my mood and cope with feelings of sadness.” Which feeling best represents the blob you chose today?
Happy
Strong
Mad
How do I feel?
Calm
Sad
Fear
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 13
Me • My strengths
Everyone has strengths! But sometimes
Some of our strengths are obvious, like being smart or athletic, but others may go unnoticed, like being loyal or patient. Knowing what your strengths are can help with confidence and self-awareness. You can use your strengths to overcome challenges, thrive in relationships and achieve goals.
we don't realise how AMAZING WE ARE!
Circle the words opposite that you think describe you Using a different coloured pen, have your mentor circle
the ones they think describe you too.
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 14
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Having difficulty identifying your strengths? What strengths would your friends or family say you have? Sometimes it is hard to identify your own strengths but easier to see strengths in others!
assertive logical helpful enthusiastic passionatesupportive
funny giving optimistic flexible playful generoushardworking
open-minded compassionate dreamy adventurous curious forgiving
thinker trustworthy calm welcoming chatty sincere energetic
accepting sociable decisive independent honest leader cheerful
affectionate understanding friendly creative loving strong
artistic intelligent capable team-player gentle productive
resilient caring bubbly problem-solver reflective spiritual loyal
thoughtful insightful warm spontaneous careful confident
imaginative bold listener musical fair wise comfortable faithful
determined romantic sensitive responsible visionary organised
committed multitasker dependable expressive chill open patient
Write any other strengths you have that were not included in the list
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 15
Me • My strengths
Chat about your identified strengths with your mentor
and pick your TOP 3!
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 16
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 17
Me • My strengths
Raise Foundation | 2022 Mentee activities handbook 18 | Mentee activities handbook Mentee activities handbook
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Which blob best represents how you feel today?
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 19
Flip • My turn
It’s your turn to have a go at being the mentor!
This week we are turning The tables!
Guide your mentor through the things you’ve learnt so far about setting goals and asking for help, and mentors have the chance to share something they’re dreaming of or working toward…
Exploring values… What is important to me? Values are the things we believe are important in life. They help define who we are and how we behave. For example, if you value kindness, you are more likely to be kind to others and feel upset when others are not kind. Sometimes, we behave in ways that are not consistent with our values which can leave us feeling bad about ourselves. Have a look at the list below. Which of these values are important to you? Mentees and mentors grab a different coloured pen and circle each of your values – see how many you have in common!:
Good grades. helping others. being popular. being athletic. being creative.
having good friends. spending time with family. having lots of money.
being honest. having fun. being respectful. being trustworthy. being organised,
learning new things. not giving up. being responsible for my actions. security.
being my true self. travel and adventure. being kind. working hard. loyalty.
being confident. having courage. my independence. Intelligence, safety.
being patient. being reliable. accepting others’ differences. high achieving.
caring for the environment. being a good team member. education. Leadership,
learning new things. peace. being part of the community, keeping open-minded.
being positive. being optimistic. humour. love. my health.
Add any other values you have that are not listed above.
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 20
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Interested in learning more about yourself? Ask for a copy of the DOPE Birds Questionnaire
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 21
Flip • My turn
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 22
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Sharing stories How did it feel to swap roles? Can you think of any other mentors in your life right now? Who else could you be a mentor for, outside of this program? Write or draw below
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 23
Help • Where to go and who to ask
On a scale from 1 – 10, rank how easy or hard you find it to ask for help. Ask your mentor to rate themselves too! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Super easy
Not too bad
Off the scale hard
What stops us asking for help? Thinking about the barriers to asking for help before you actually need it can be useful! Here are some of the common reasons people don’t ask for help. Circle those that might apply to you.
Fear of appearing weak Fear of ‘owing’ someone Fear of being a burden
Fear of rejection Fear of admitting you feel out of control
It is not something we do in our culture no one will understand anyway
I don’t have anyone to ask
Any others?
Okay. #REALTALK. Some of us may be good at asking for what we need, and some of us have no idea. Imagine that asking for help was easy – think ‘genie in a bottle’ type stuff. What kind of things would you want help with?
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 24
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 25
Help • Where to go and who to ask
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 26
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Now, focusing on that one thing you need help with, and where you might go to get it, brainstorm some answers for the questions below
Remember you don't need all the answers right now. We can build on these skills throughout the program!
How would you ask for help?
Do you have any doubts, fears?
What is the worst that could happen?
What is the best outcome here?
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 27
Support and courage • My support map
Strong connections
Weaker connections
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 28
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Person you want to connect more with x
Stressful connections
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 29
Support and courage • Building our resilience
We often think courage is being brave enough to do risky things like jump out of a plane, play the lead in the school play, or not back down from a fight. But some of the most courageous things can go unnoticed…
What is COURAGE?
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 30
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Sharing stories – mentee and mentor What is one of the bravest things you’ve ever done? (Remember: What takes bravery for you, depends on what is scary or hard for you. It may be totally different for someone else!) Write or draw below
It likely took courage for you and your mentor to sign up to the Raise program… what did that feel like? Write or draw below
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 31
Risk • My choices
Which blob best represents how you feel today?
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 32
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Risk-taking is a part of life! You may encounter risky situations during your school years, and beyond. Whilst risk-taking can be positive, it's important to have a ‘safety harness’ in place – a way out of the situation, and someone to support you on the other side. What are some positive risks you have taken? Going to a protest, joining a band, martial arts List or draw below
Some risk-taking isn’t as positive, like going to a party with someone we don’t know or taking the train home alone at night. In this situation, who or what is your ‘safety harness’? A friend, a teacher, a helpline
What would life be like if we never took a risk Think back to Courage week here
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 33
Risk • Barriers to help-seeking
How easy do you find it to ask for help? Rate yourself on this scale.
Easy
Not too bad
Extremely difficult
Raise Foundation | 2023 Mentee activities handbook 34
Risk • Overcoming barriers
Pick 3 things you would like to get help with this year and complete the table. You can look at what you wrote in the brain dump last week for inspiration!
What I would like help with
Who could help? Think people/ websites/apps
Potential barriers
How I could overcome these
Benefits of asking for help
“It’s hard enough to give fearlessly, and it’s even
harder to receive fearlessly. But within that exchange lies the hardest thing of all. To ask. Without shame. And to accept the help that people offer. Not to force them, Just to let them.” - The Art of Asking Amanda Palmer
35 The power of showing up | raise.org.au
Ask • Reaching out
…that you and your mentor will take together to practice the skills you’ve learnt and put your plans to ask for help into action.
This is the final, important step…
Flick back to Help week for inspiration!
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 36
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Which blob best represents how you feel today?
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 37
Hope and review • My future
Having goals on their own is not enough – we must imagine a brighter future!
Hope is about the possibility for things to be different in the future. Hope allows us to approach challenges with a growth mindset. Despite all the inevitable twists and turns of life, we can be hopeful about our goals and dreams.
Raise Foundation | 2022 Mentee activities handbook 38 | Mentee activities handbook
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
The ‘When, Where, What and Who?’ of hope!
When do you feel hopeful? Where do you feel the most hopeful? What gives you hope? Who makes you feel hopeful? Write or draw below
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 39
Hope and review • My future
Use the space in each glass to write an example of these types of thinking! eg. glass half full ‘this is hard, but I’ve done hard things before’, or glass half empty ‘what’s the point, if I try, I’ll fail’ Notice how you feel from each perspective.
Glass half full/ empty
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 40
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
You can set yourself up to feel more hopeful – follow the ‘LEADS’
L E A D S Laugh as much as you can, do something that’s funny, hang with your most fun friends. Eat healthy food that you love, it makes you feel better from the inside out. Activity will release endorphins, which make you feel hopeful naturally. Discuss what’s going on for you with someone you trust, it helps to talk things through. Sleep at least eight hours per night, and preferably ten, to give your mind L E A D S
and body time to rejuvenate.
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 41
Hope and review • How far I've come
We are nearing the end of our journey together!
Now is a good time to look back over the program and your relationship with your mentor. Take note of how you’ve grown, what you’ve learnt, and the experiences you’ve had.
Ref lect Look back over the things you’ve done together with your mentor. Reflect on the skills that you’ve learnt – flick back through the book and talk to your mentor about three things you’ll take away from mentoring. How do we feel about the end? It can feel strange, and a bit sad, to part ways after getting to know each other… Let’s put some self-care activities in place to make the transition out of the program a little easier (refer to Self-care week for inspiration). 1.
2.
3.
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 42
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
43 The power of showing up | raise.org.au
Gift of goodbye • Final farewell
Which blob best represents how you feel today?
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 44
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 45
Directory
The Group Mentoring Program has come to an end, so we want to leave you with a list of supportive services you can call in the future, if you or a friend/relative is in need. We're so glad you're here and checking out these awesome resources! They’re here to help, but sometimes calls might not get answered right away since others are reaching out too. If that happens, don’t give up! Try another option if available, like texting the service or using their online chat until someone’s free. Keep reaching out - they’ll be so pleased to hear from you.
Raise Community Check raise.org.au for additional services Crisis and Helpline Numbers 13YARN 13 92 76 www.13yarn.org.au
that’s on your mind – no matter how overwhelming, they are there to listen. Headspace 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to
support for yourself or someone you care about. All counsellors are qualified mental health professionals with a background in psychology, social work or counselling. They also have specialist training in eating disorders and body image. Useful Websites Mental Health www.reachout.com www.youthbeyondblue.com www.blackdoginstitute.org.au www.biteback.org.au www.maximinds.com.au Suicide www.lifeline.org.au/find_help/ suicide_prevention www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au LGBTQIA+ www.twenty10.org.au www.minus18.org.au Sexual Health/Pregnancy www.pregnancycounselling.com.au www.playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au www.bravefoundation.org.au www.pregnancyhelpaustralia.org.au Drugs and Alcohol www.darta.net.au/resources/young- people/ www.drinkwise.org.au Youth Accommodation www.youthoffthestreets.com.au Useful Apps Smiling Mind • Youth friendly meditation app • Guided meditations and relaxation exercises • Sleep support Five Minute Journal • Daily self-care journal app • Log how you’re feeling each day and set smart daily goals • Explore positive affirmations Colourfy
12-25 year olds. Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au
24/7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. 13YARN provides crisis support 24/7 to yarn with you without judgement and provide a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns. Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 The Suicide Call Back Service is a 24-hour, nationwide service that provides free telephone, video and online counselling. You can call anywhere and anytime.
Provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 www.1800RESPECT.org.au
24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for anyone who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and sexual assault. Q life 1800 184 527 www.qlife.org.au QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Legal Aid Hotline 1800 10 18 10 Young people who need advice about a criminal law problem or think they might be in trouble with the law, can call the Youth Hotline. This service is open until midnight during the week and is 24 hours over the weekend. Butterfly Foundation National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au Free and confidential support. Offering support for anyone in Australia concerned about eating disorders or body image issues, whether you need
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelp.com.au
Free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 in Australia. Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au Lifeline is a non-profit organisation that provides free, 24-hour Telephone Crisis Support service in Australia. Volunteer Crisis Supporters provide suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance. Lifeline also offers confidential one-to-one text with a trained Lifeline Crisis Supporter. You can Text 0477 13 11 14 Available 24/7. You’ll be asked for some personal details, such as your age and location, but these are optional and you can choose to remain anonymous. You’ll then be connected to a trained Lifeline Crisis Supporter. You can text them anything
• Mindfulness colouring app • Digital colouring exercises • Proven to calm the mind
Is it an emergency? If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call triple zero 000
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 46
How do you feel today? scribble on me >
Raise reimagined!
Share a drawing, creative expression or writing piece with us, and you could win a gift card! We would love to hear what you think of Raise and what inspires you. Be creative and have fun! Simply scan the QR code for instructions and more information. Below: Entries from 2024, including our winning entry (left).
I went to Raise a connection made. A new confidence in me was laid. Every week we talked and shared so special knowing someone cared. Each week we had a special treat a new friend and mentor to meet. Time in the sun working through the book hiding away in a sunny nook. This opportunity so special for me, my future is bright I now can see. – 2024 creative writing entry
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 47
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 48
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 49
Raise Foundation | Mentee activities handbook 50
The power of showing up | raise.org.au 51
We don’t meet people by accident, they are meant to cross our paths for a reason.
We are so glad to have met you. Good luck for your future!
raise.org.au
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52Made with FlippingBook Converter PDF to HTML5