Get support
WAM supports women facing criminal charges or at risk of offending, and who are identified as needing additional support to improve their outcomes.
Participating in the program means spending time every week with a volunteer mentor. The mentor is committed to you. She will support, encourage, and occasionally challenge you.
A mentoring relationship gives you the chance to look at things from a different perspective, to gain confidence, and access the opportunities available to you.
Mentoring can lead to improvements in self-esteem, better coping skills, and increased connection with the community.
Some relationships are focused on practical tasks, while others are centred around conversation, or involve participation in community activities. A mentoring relationship can change as your needs do.
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Women, gender diverse and non-binary people who are considered at-risk of offending, or facing criminal charges, on community corrections orders or on parole can benefit from mentoring. We offer in community face-to-face mentoring for those living in suburban Melbourne and some parts of regional Vic, and online/remote mentoring for people living in regional Victoria.
WAM may also support women who have contact with the courts for family violence intervention orders, or with child protection matters and don't have much support or connection to community. -
Initially established in partnership with Taskforce, we offer an early intervention mentoring program for young women, gender diverse and non-binary folk aged 12-24 in south-east metro region.
This program works collaboratively with other services to assist those at risk, or in the early stages, of contact with the criminal justice system. Referrals are identified as having several criminogenic risk factors, however participation in the program is voluntary and all referrals are screened for motivation and readiness prior to ongoing involvement. Screened participants are matched with a supportive one to one mentor who offer pro-social modelling, practical assistance and non-judgemental support. Matched pairs work together on goals identified by the participant to positively change their life.
Referrals accepted from the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Dandenong, Casey and Kingston government areas.
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WAM’s Lived Experience Peer Group meets fortnightly online offering support, encouragement, empowerment, and friendship through a shared experience of the criminal legal system.
Each meeting covers a range of topics with a focus on empowering each other, building confidence, developing their social connections and sharing their stories in a safe space.
For more information, contact Cathy: peergroup@womenandmentoring.org.au
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Provide social support and catch up regularly
Give support at court and other appointments
Help to find and access local services and community activities
Offer personal and practical assistance
Provide support to develop and implement coping strategies
Explore volunteering, training, or employment opportunities
Assist in working off fines through the WDP program