Level Up peer mentoring program launches in Macarthur

Wellbeing and managing mental health, academic pressure and social isolation can be a struggle for many young Australians whilst navigating school and social commitments.

Having early access to support that helps them understand and manage these issues is crucial.

Youth mentoring services are a key part of this support in many communities. They connect young people with trained, experienced support workers in both one-on-one and group settings for guidance and encouragement.

The Benevolent Society’s Families in Focus team recently launched its new Level Up program in Macarthur to provide this support.

New program in Macarthur

Level Up is a mentoring and wellbeing program, designed to empower pre-teens (10 to 12-year-olds) by fostering meaningful growth across key areas of their lives.

The program engages pre-teens who are at risk of disengagement from school, family and community, are showing early signs of mental health challenges, and aims to increase positive outcomes.

Run in partnership with Camden Council during the school term, the program provides weekly mentoring sessions at Julia Reserve.

Level Up mentoring provides pre-teens with guidance on healthy relationships, bullying, sleep and routines, body image and dysmorphia, emotional regulation and coping skills, health and wellbeing around risk-taking behaviours.

Social, supportive space

Level Up was designed with a clear understanding of the developmental needs of 10–12‑year‑olds.

“Pre-teen years are an important transition period,” Cristina Maiorana, Benevolent Team Leader, explains. “However, in many communities there’s a lack of youth mentoring programs for those aged 10-12. Level Up is addressing this gap by helping pre-teens navigate issues like signs of poor mental health and disengagement from learning as they transition to high school, make new friendships and navigate adolescence.”

Level Up does this through a mix of one-on-one support and group activities that create a safe, social space where pre-teens feel comfortable discussing issues they want to address.

One-on-one time with mentors helps build relationships, provide education and information for pre-teens and their parents and carers.
This is complemented by social group activities such as sports and movement, cooking, arts and craft, team building and communication exercises, and sessions that help participants develop increased coping strategies.

Increasing school participation

A key focus of the program is increasing participation at school to support pre‑teens as they transition into high‑school.

“Pre-teens can experience multiple complexities at home, such as domestic and family violence, and childhood trauma,” Cristina adds. “This can impact their ability to participate at school and develop relationships with students and staff. These kids are often hastily labelled as ‘naughty’ or ‘difficult’ due to being unable to participate in the classroom when they need more support to address this.

“Programs like Level Up are essential to help pre-teens get more aware of mental health, build their self-confidence, strengthen emotional regulation, and cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and social connectedness so they can engage better with school.”

Central to this approach is the wrap‑around support offered across home and school life for pre‑teens and their parents and caregivers. This includes advocacy and support with classroom teachers and school staff, assistance for parent and caregivers in developing healthier routines, psychoeducation, connection to relevant allied health services, and other supports they may need.

“We’ve received a lot of interest in the program. The team and I are looking forward to meeting local families and providing this mentorship and support,” Cristina says.

For more information on our range of Youth and Mental Health Support services and programs, click here or call 1800 236 762.