Standing Tall in Hamilton Inc. (STiH) is a transformative, school-based mentoring program in the Southern Grampians Shire, designed to empower students from Years 3 to 12 by offering positive guidance, support and encouragement to help them realise their full potential.
“Mentoring changed my life! Before (Standing Tall), I didn’t have much confidence, I kept to myself. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, I hated being at school. My mentor listened to me, she encouraged me to chase my dreams and supported me in achieving some of my goals, including helping me gain my first job. My mentor showed me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. I now have confidence in myself and I have a plan for my future.” - Student
The program accepts referrals for students in need, particularly those for whom traditional school engagement strategies have been exhausted. There are 16 formal school partners in the program. Routine support and positive guidance Each student in the program is paired with a carefully screened and trained mentor. These mentors, who come from diverse backgrounds within the Southern Grampians Shire, meet with their mentees for one hour each week.
The activities during these sessions vary and include:
Volunteering together
Playing sports, such as table tennis, basketball, handball
Playing board games, card games, or chess,
Arts and crafts
Cooking and sharing hot lunches, learning how to make ice-cream or smoothies
Learning new skills such as knitting and woodwork.
The program helps students develop a healthy connection to school and take full advantage of educational opportunities. The relationships forged between mentors and mentees often last well beyond the minimum 12-month commitment, sometimes extending for many years.
The community behind it
Mentors come from the of Southern Grampian Shire community and are diverse, from hospital staff to members of the police force. STiH recently counted 72% employed individuals, 27% retirees and 1% job seekers – debunking the myth that their volunteers had to be retirees!
In December 2023, FFV granted $30,000 to STiH under the “Empowering Futures: Expanding Youth Mentorship and Support in Southern Grampians Shire” initiative.
“This grant from FFV is more than just financial assistance; it’s given us hope, it’s a vote of confidence in the transformative work we do...It is a direct result of this support from FFV, that STiH can open our doors wider, welcome more eager young minds and continue fostering growth, resilience and empowerment among our students.”
Dee Barrera, Program Manager
The funding extended program capacity to reach all schools in the Southern Grampians Shire and enhanced resources and engagement with schools, stakeholders and community. STiH partnered with experts in topics like LGBTIQA+ issues, youth mental health, youth development and sexual health to provide additional resources for mentors and mentees, ensuring students receive comprehensive guidance and support on emerging needs and challenges. In 2023, STiH was honoured as one of six finalists in the Volunteering Partnerships category of the Volunteering Victoria 2023 Volunteer Awards. With the backing of organisations like FFV, Standing Tall in Hamilton Inc. can help students unlock their full potential and continue to provide mentorship that has a profound impact on young lives.
“It makes a tremendous difference to both the mentor and the mentee. That’s what happened to me. I find it very rewarding having a young friend. It is very simple, just be there. I think that’s what makes a difference. It shows that you believe in that person. That’s all you must do - be there, turn up and be interested in that young person. I get so much from it myself. I love doing it. I am amazed at the response I get from the student because I do so little. I just have to be there for my student. It is just one hour of my week, yet I get such big rewards.”
Mentor, Judy Trompf
