BACKUP for Life Mentoring Program Thank you for your interest in becoming a Mentor for the BACKUP for Life Project. Your commitment to your former colleagues and their families is crucial to the overall success of the Program. The BACKUP for Life Mentoring Program has been designed to support and provide information to former NSW Police officers and their immediate families. It is available for when they are facing a broad range of challenges when transitioning into a civilian lifestyle, in particular mental health and related issues, which can significantly impact on their immediate family. The BACKUP for Life Mentor s Program will consist of former officers and immediate family members who have volunteered to take on this role. What is a Mentor? A Mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor with lived experience. A mentor is a person or friend who provides guidance and builds trust to assist their peers on their healing journey. An effective mentor understands that his or her role is to be dependable, engaged, authentic, and tuned into the needs of the mentee. What do Mentors do? - Provide empathy and support when required - Refer and facilitate retired police and their families to appropriate clinicians and support services - Provide information regarding the Backup For Life services - Follow up with retired police in their local areas who are in need - Assist with career confidence and holistic health workshops - Establish connections with LAC s regarding Backup For Life initiatives and events - Collaborates with their local Retired Police Association - Provides support and assistance at the annual Backup for Life Expo What skills are required to be a Mentor? - Effective communication skills - Lived experience as either a former NSW police officer or family member - Ability to act as support person at information workshops with the BACKUP for Life Project Coordinator - Genuine interest in the mentoring relationship - Willingness to engage in professional development to further develop mentoring skills - Willingness to learn about referral pathways - A passion for assisting the police family The process to become a BACKUP for Life Mentor includes: 1. Submitting an expression of interest 2. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a mental health first aid workshop 3. Appropriate professional standards clearance 4. Invitation to attend a BACKUP for Life Mentor Training Course 5. Successful completion of the BACKUP for Life Mentor Training The process to become a BACKUP for Life Mentor includes: (continued)
Submit an application to become a Mentor Application review Successful candidates invited to attend a mental health first aid workshop Unsuccessful candidates informed and provided feedback Successful candidates booked onto a course Unsuccessful candidates informed and provided feedback BACKUP for Life Mentor Obligations: - Submitting basic statistical information - Participating in professional development - Engaging in professional supervision and self-care workshops BACKUP for Life Mentor Training The length of the course is 4 days which includes a 2 day mental health first aid workshop The BACKUP for Life Project will arrange any travel and accommodation that may be required by the course participants All successful candidates will be informed and kept up to date
Expression of Interest to become a volunteer BACKUP for Life Mentor Name: Email address: Contact number: Mail Address: 1. Why would you like to be a BACKUP for Life Mentor? 2. What do you think are the three most important qualities of a BACKUP for Life Mentor and briefly describe why?
3. What level of commitment do you envisage bringing to this role? 4. Describe what skills and experience you could bring to this role 5. The details of two referees including their current phone number and email address
Checklist: I have answered all the questions I have provided the contact details of two referees I understand that I have to complete annual professional development I understand that I have to engage in regular professional supervision I understand that a National Police check will have to be conducted I understand that I will be required to record statistical information Signature: Please submit your EOI by either: Email: Mail: backup@policelegacynsw.org.au Esther McKay BACKUP for Life Project Coordinator PO BOX 20065 World Square NSW 2002