About our referral process

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Our program is open to young people who would benefit from having a positive male role model. This includes those who may not have one in their lives or who have been impacted by domestic or family violence. 

Our program is open to children and teenagers aged 10–18 who would benefit from positive guidance and support. 

 Referral rounds for our youth mentoring program open at set times throughout the year. When they do, we’ll notify our email subscribers so they can complete the online referral form. Once accepted, young people and their parents/guardians are invited to an Induction Day, where they’ll meet mentors and get ready to begin their journey with REEL Mates. 

Step 1: Join our email list
Subscribe to our email list to be the first to know when referral rounds open. We’ll send you the referral form directly.

Step 2: Refer a young person
When applications open, a parent, guardian, teacher, or support person can complete the referral form on behalf of the young person.

Step 3: Gain parental consent
After we review the referral forms, our team will contact parents or guardians to confirm details and outline the next steps.

Step 4: Attend an Induction Day
Young people and their parent or guardian will be invited to an Induction Day. Here, mentees meet their mentors, learn how the program works, and get ready to begin.

What happens next?
After Induction Day, our team carefully matches each mentee with a mentor. Outings and activities are then scheduled and shared with parents and guardians.

We’re proud to offer this program at no cost to families, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and funding partners who believe in supporting young people. 

Each program cycle runs for 12 months. Our goal is to continue offering mentoring year after year, as long as funding and resources allow. 

All our mentors undergo Working with Children's Checks and police screening, as well as nationally accredited training in first aid, accidental counselling, and additional mental health first aid training.