twenty10 – a place to be you

Out West!

Out West is a social and support group for young people (under 26) in Western Sydney who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer (GLBTIQ) or are same sex attracted, gender diverse or questioning.

Based in Parramatta, the group will give you a safe space to connect with new friends, have fun and provide you with support and information that is relevant to GLBTIQ young people from Western Sydney.

When: Wednesdays (fortnightly) 6-8pm.

Where: Upstairs at Mars Hill Cafe, 331 Church St Parramatta
Cost: FREE!

We've got a bunch of fun activities, workshops and discussions planned based on feedback you gave us about what you liked about the pilot  group. Thanks to those who filled out the survey!

If you haven't been to a group before and you're a bit nervous, feel free to bring a friend or contact us with any questions.

For more info, like our facebook group: www.facebook.com/outwestsydney
You can also contact Julia:
Julia at Twenty10: julia@twenty10.org.au,
8594 9552 / 0466 67 2010

Twenty10 Mentoring Program for Young People

Looking to explore a new hobby or learn new life skills?  Looking for a new and different way to engage with Twenty10? Mentoring could be for you!

What is it?

• Twenty10's Mentoring Program involves a Twenty10 young person being 'matched' with a trained Volunteer Mentor who can share some of their life experiences and skills with the young person. Through doing activities which interest the young person, mentoring provides an opportunity to build on life skills and explore areas of interest.

When is it?

• Each Mentoring session will be held on Saturdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm for about 10-12 weeks.

 

Where do they meet?

• Mentoring sessions happen at pre-arranged locations (not normally at Twenty10). Past examples of meeting places include a coffee shop, the park, the supermarket, a shopping centre etc.

 

How often do they meet?

• The young person will meet their Mentor for 2 hours each week for 10-12 weeks (with a few weeks off along the way).

 

What does each session involve?

• That's up to you and your mentor. The aim of mentoring is to help you practice life skills like grocery shopping, resume writing, cooking, cleaning, gardening, goal setting etc. Mentoring is also a great opportunity to explore areas of interest such as cooking, gym, painting, sewing, music, theatre etc.

 

How can I learn more about the Twenty10 Mentoring Program?

• If you aren't currently in case management or counselling you will need to make a short one-off meeting with a worker to discuss the program further and to obtain an application form.
• If you are currently in case management or counselling, ask your case manager or counsellor for a mentoring program application form and ask any questions.
• If you have any questions speak with your case manager, counsellor or another staff member.
• You will have the chance to meet the Mentor we suggest to you before the program starts, to ensure you agree that it is a good match.

 

What would my mentor be doing during the Mentoring Program?

• Your mentor is responsible for meeting you weekly at the agreed time and place
• They are there to support you in working on your goals and aims for the project
• They aren't there as an 'expert' - you are the expert in your own life, you will choose the goals you work on.
• To discuss your options with you, and help you weigh them up
• To support you in learning (e.g. life skills), to encourage you and challenge you
• While your Mentor will be friendly toward you and you will see them away from Twenty10, it is important to remember that they are not your 'best friend'.
• Your 'match' with your mentor is limited to the duration of the program (10-12 weeks).

 

What would I be doing during the Mentoring Program?

• Work with your volunteer Mentor to decide on activities and locations for the future Mentoring Sessions.
• Be on time and be aware of your Mentor's time, they are volunteering it to you, so aim to get the most from the time you spend together by being organised.
• Let us know how you are finding the program along way: what worked well for you as well as any concerns or questions you might have.
• You will have dedicated staff member who will check in with you each week to make sure everything is going ok (that would your case worker or counsellor if you have one, if not we will select a staff member you can chat to regularly during the program).

 

How will my Mentor be chosen?

• You will complete a form outlining your aims for the project, your interests and what type of person would prefer as a mentor (e.g. outgoing, quiet etc).
• The Twenty10 managers will attempt to find suitable matches based on your answers to the questions on the form (e.g. if you are shy and would like a mentor who also has a quiet personality, or someone who is into cooking etc).
• We will tell you a bit about the person we recommend for you, and if you like the sound of them, we will organise for you to meet them privately at Twenty10. If you both hit it off, then we'll organise for them to be your mentor. If you don't hit it off (which is ok, we'll try again).

 

What if I don't like my mentor?

• Before the program starts - if you feel that the volunteer we initially suggest to you won't be a good match, then that's fine - we can discuss other options.
• Once the program is underway, the first step would be to chat with your mentor about any issues you are experiencing. You can also discuss this with Sam / your Case Manager / your Counsellor. We would support you and your mentor in the aim of continuing the match.
• In some cases, Twenty10 staff may feel that the match isn't working and needs to be discontinued. In which case we would meet with you both to discuss how to move forward.

 

What other support will I have during the Mentoring Program?

• Your case manager will check in with you regularly, and you will have monthly catch ups with Sam (Coordinator) during the program.
• If you have any issues or concerns about your mentor or the program you can speak with your designated staff member or Sam.

  *Clients must have been accessing Twenty10 for at least 3 months before applying.

 

Twenty10 hosted online forum about sexuality & identity on ReachOut.com!

U R NOT ALONE is the Video that Twenty10 young people made for ReachOut.com.
The young people who made the Video hosted an Infobus on ReachOut.com in March to have a broader discussion about things spoken about in the Video.

What's an Infobus? It's an online forum. The one we hosted was a discussion about it how sexuality and/or gender identity shapes our experiences and about how identity and labels play a part in our lives. 

Check out the forum and read the inspiring and powerful things we spoke about!

 

"A place to be me with the support that I need"

Twenty10 is a free and confidential service. It is a safe place and staff deal with all enquiries in an understanding, supportive and confidential manner.

Twenty10 provides a wide range of services, including:

• Information, Referrals, Support & Advocacy
• Case Management
• Drop in
• Groups & Projects
• Accommodation
• Counselling referrals
• Family Support Services
• Community Support Services and Schools
• Our Ready or Not training program for service providers
• Rural support
• Telephone support

Select the menu items on the top right to find out more information about our services.