A message from our Executive Director, Roslyn Henderson:
The current COVID-19 pandemic has shifted our world and we are not alone when we say that this is a very uncertain time for our local and global communities. Although it is hard to predict what the coming weeks will hold, we want you to know that our mission remains the same. Our agency is here, and is committed to supporting life-changing mentoring relationships for young people facing adversity. Social isolation is an adversity that we are all facing at the moment, but it will be especially challenging for the vulnerable young people and families that we serve.
So to our families, our volunteers, our partners, and our community – we want you to know that we are here for you and we will come out of this #BiggerTogether.
Our decisions as an agency will continue to adhere to the guidance and recommendations of our municipal, provincial, and federal Health Authorities. We recommend that you stay informed regarding these guidelines as they will help you make smart choices and take proper precautions to protect your health and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the agency or your mentoring coordinator. Take care everyone.
Resources for Bigs and Guardians
2-1-1: Community based health and social services.
Free Resources for dealing with anxiety and mental health
Stay active with Virtual fitness classes
Coronavirus sanity guide (free meditations and podcasts)
Learn a new hobby! Here are some ideas!
Virtual Activities for Matches
Resources for Littles
Talking about Covid-19:
Light-hearted comic explaining Coronavirus to young children
Talking to children about Covid-19
Continue to learn with these interactive websites!
Tour the world’s greatest museums and galleries
Try an at home science experiment
Historical Documentaries (For Older Littles)
Mentoring Resources & Tips
Be mindful. As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, it may trigger trauma for young people impacted by the virus or by the news surrounding the pandemic. Let your mentee know that you see them and are there for them.
Be intentional about preserving continuity in the relationship.
- Acknowledge what is going on and engage in a dialogue about the pandemic.
- Understand and honour your emotions and the emotions of your mentee, including the range of reactions that may be expressed.
- Commit to self-care. Know that it is okay to take a break from the news and discussions about the virus as needed to manage anxiety or other responses to the situation.
Be in it together. Let your mentee know that you are in this together and are here to help.
- Follow the latest on COVID-19 on the BC’s Centre for Disease Control website.
- Follow the guidelines of your mentoring program and your mentee’s guardian around how to connect and communicate virtually with your mentee. Decide on clear boundaries and agreements about how you will connect with your mentee when meeting in-person.
Be communicative. Healthy and supportive relationships are crucial during this time.
- If you are able to communicate virtually with your mentee:
▪ Let your mentee know you need to temporarily pause seeing them in person but are still there for them virtually. Create a plan with your mentee about how you will stay in touch while continuing to follow the appropriate guidelines. - If you are not permitted/able to communicate virtually:
▪ Work with your Mentoring Coordinator to figure out a way to pass along information to let your mentee know that you care, value the relationship, and will need to temporarily pause in-person meetings. Health and safety are the primary focuses at this time.
This is obviously a very difficult time for all, but despite these immediate challenges, we want to reassure you that we are here to support you and commit to providing you continued updates and guidance as things continue to unfold. Our team is thinking of you all!