Our stories

For three boys, all cousins, in years 3 and 6 at primary school on the Central Coast, this year did not start well.

However, after putting in a lot of hard work in their Rise mentoring sessions and with support from a reliable family member and their new school, things are starting to turn around.

Caleb*, Mike*, and Sam* were all referred to Rise because each had a parent in custody and were experiencing upheaval in their home lives, which made it difficult for them to focus at school and regulate their emotions.

The youngest of the boys had already been living with their uncle, and earlier this year, the other two cousins moved in with them as well.

“While the boys had their worlds turned upside down, knowing they have their uncle, who also still needs to work and balance his lifestyle, who has taken them in with open arms, made all the difference,” said their mentor.

As the household grew, the little family of uncle and three nephews moved to a new home together, which, while daunting at first as they needed to change schools, has turned out to be just what they needed.

Supported with every step

As they settled into their new school, home, and family dynamic, the three were supported every step of the way by their Rise mentor with weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions.

“The boys were facing new friendship circles, new family dynamics, academic disruption, difficulty adjusting socially and emotional stress,” said their mentor, “all of these factors were affecting their self-esteem.”

“In sessions, I gave them the opportunity to vent and talk about the pros and cons of what’s happening in their life,” their mentor said.

“They also benefited from having someone who was not part of ‘the system’ they’d experienced since they were young, with whom they could feel safe sharing their frustrations about processes.”

“In the first few weeks at their new school, I met with their teachers, the school counsellor, and the executive to ‘iron out’ challenges and connect the family with other supports they had success with at their old schools.”

“With the boys, especially the two older ones, we’d discuss conflicts they were having and ways to manage them. With Sam, the youngest, we focused on using his love of drawing and expressive writing to work through issues.”

A new school environment has also given the boys, especially Caleb*, the eldest, who had trouble making friends at his old school, a ‘fresh start’. He’s made new friends, some through activities the school offers during break times, and is feeling happier and more connected.

“Anyone seeing these boys at the school now would think they’ve been there from day dot. They have their own peer circles, and are growing and socialising with their individual cohorts.”

Rise has also been able to support the family with new school uniforms, shoes, and other essentials, easing the load on their uncle, who has taken on lots and had to make big changes in his life as well.

With school camps coming up, all three children are feeling more settled, excited, and positive about their futures again after what has been a tough start, and are looking forward to what the rest of the year may bring!

This program on the Central Coast, NSW, is supported by The Benevolent Society.

*Names changed to protect participant privacy.