CAW Mentoring - Youth Mentoring

Youth Mentoring short/long term

Youth Mentoring - Ongoing Support and Guidance

Our one-on-one support is designed for young people who are struggling in school, disengaging from learning, or facing challenges that are impacting their wellbeing and future pathways. The young people in our personalised mentoring programme are referred by schools, agencies, or whānau who recognise that the young person needs relational, consistent support beyond what the classroom alone can provide.

Our mentoring approach is relational, culturally grounded, and holistic. We meet young people where they are — physically, emotionally, spiritually, and culturally. Sessions may happen in class, during school breaks, outdoors, in the community, or at home, depending on what best supports engagement and trust.

The educational component is based on walking the journey with the young person, and includes:

Setting personalised learning and life goals
One-on-one coaching
Strengths-based support
Mentoring that builds identity, motivation, self-belief, and resilience

Our mission is to empower youth and strengthen whānau, helping young people become stronger within so they can thrive in education and in life.

How Young People Enter the Programme

There are several ways a young person may be connected to CAW Mentoring:

1. School Referral

A school approaches CAW to support a student who is disengaged or at risk. The level of support is shaped by the needs of the student and the funding available. (Schools are responsible for securing funding for this pathway).

2. Referral Through a Funding Partner

Some young people are referred through agencies or services who already hold funding for support (e.g. Oranga Tamariki, Ministry-funded programmes, or health services). These referrals allow immediate engagement and tailored intervention.

3. Community or Agency Referral

Youth may be referred by partner organisations (e.g. Police, youth services, community providers). In most cases, we work with partners to secure funding where possible.

4. Whānau-Initiated Referral

Sometimes a parent, caregiver, or wider whānau reaches out directly. These are often the most complex situations, as funding may not yet be in place and families can be under significant stress. CAW will explore funding options and advocate alongside the whānau to find a pathway forward.

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