Benji* is in Year 3 at a primary school on the Central Coast, NSW, and needs support at school to regulate his emotions and participate in class.
With a parent in custody and lots of changes at home, his Rise mentor helps him work through emotions, build confidence, and feel supported at school.
Rise mentors have specialised experience in working with children facing the unique challenges that come with having a mum or dad in custody, like stigma and loss.
Because he needs some support to engage with activities, Benji’s teacher reached out to his SHINE for Kids mentor and asked if she could help him and his family prepare for him to attend their upcoming Year 3 ‘Aussie Bush Camp’.
His mentor was more than happy to help and ensure he didn’t miss this important opportunity to develop social skills, teamwork, and independence. And of course, have fun!
She worked with his family to get everything he needed to attend organised and helped Benji during their sessions beforehand with action plans for how he’d manage big feelings or challenges he might face on the trip.
Benji had a blast, and when his mentor asked him what the best part was, he said, “It was all super exciting! I can’t wait for next year’s camp!”
He explained excitedly that he’d tried every single activity and was clearly very proud of himself.
It was wonderful to see his confidence and that he’d successfully used the techniques he and his mentor had worked on in the weeks leading up to camp.
His mentor could not have been happier, saying, “I was extremely excited the first time I checked back in with him after camp. He couldn’t wait to tell me about all his adventures! For him it really was a dream come true to go to something like this, and be in a new environment, and have it all go so well.”
Thank you to The Benevolent Society for its support of this program.
*Names changed to protect privacy of participants.
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