Our 1:1 mentoring programs have been changing the lives of children and youth in our community for over 50 years. They’re designed to help young people overcome childhood adversity and reach their full potential. We do this by matching them with a caring adult mentor (we call them Bigs) who meets with them weekly either in the community, virtually, or at school.
Having a Big can help a young person (Little) cope with adversities like witnessing violence and substance abuse, having an unstable family unit, bullying, and financial hardship. The match works together (with the support of their mentoring coordinator) to create a developmental relationship that expresses care, challenges growth, provides support, shares power and expands possibilities.
Children in our programs report better mental health and stronger connections compared to those without a mentor, and they’re more likely to finish school and go on to get a satisfying job.
Our organization does such a good job of the matching process that the result is a life-changing experience for both the Big and Little!
1:1 In the Community
This program is for young people between the ages of 7 to 16. The Big and Little make a commitment to meet for 2 to 4 hours each week for at least one year. Together, they decide what they’d like to do based on common interests. It might be going for ice cream, shooting hoops at a local park, simply hanging out, or making crafts in the new match space at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office. Whatever it is, the Big and Little develop a strong relationship built on friendship and trust – and always with the support of their mentoring coordinator.
Thank you for your interest in Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area. Due to the high volume of applications currently being processed, we are not able to accept any new applications for this program at this time. Please check back in September 2023.
FOR young people who are NEW to Canada
This program is a component of our 1:1 In the Community program. It focuses on providing newcomer youth with a Big who can help make their transition to life in Canada a smooth experience.
FOR young people who are INDIGENOUS
This program is a component of our 1:1 In the Community program. It focuses on providing Indigenous youth with a Big who can relate to the Indigenous childhood experience.
FOR young people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+
This program is a component of our 1:1 In the Community program. It focuses on providing LGBTQ2S+ youth with a Big who can help them to discover who they are and feel #BigPride in it.
1:1 Virtual
This program is for young people between the ages of 7 to 16 who may have difficulty meeting their mentor in person or simply find it more comfortable to stay at home. The Big and Little make a commitment to meet for one hour each week over video chat for at least one year. Together, they decide what they’d like to do based on common interests. It might be doing a virtual craft, playing an online game, or simply using their time to talk. Whatever it is, the Big and Little develop a strong relationship built on friendship and trust – and always with the support of their mentoring coordinator.
Register for our 1:1 Virtual Mentoring program here.
1:1 in Schools
This program is for children in elementary school who have either been identified by their school or their family as someone who would benefit from extra support. The Big and Little make a commitment to meet for one hour each week at the Little’s school for the academic year. Together, they decide what they’d like to do based on common interests. It might be doing a puzzle, reading a book, or figuring out some tricky homework. Whatever it is, the Big and Little develop a strong relationship built on friendship and trust – and always with the support of their mentoring coordinator.
Contact your child’s school if interested in this program.