Mayo volunteers wanted for Foróige’s Big Brother, Big Sister Programme

Toyota Ireland and Foróige are calling on adults across Mayo to volunteer for the world’s largest youth mentoring programme, Big Brother Big Sister. 

Applications for the 2024/2025 programme are now open, and adults from every county in Ireland are being asked to dedicate one hour per week to spend with a young person who could benefit from time with a regular companion. 

Big Brother Big Sister aims to provide friendship, support and guidance from caring adult volunteers that will aid young people in making positive decisions and guiding them on their journeys into adulthood.  

This year, the programme is keen to increase the number of ‘Big Brothers’ to meet the demand for boys seeking guidance and a friend.   

Since becoming the official partner of the programme in 2022, Toyota Ireland has encouraged the participation of its headquarters staff, dealership teams, and people across Ireland to buddy up with a young person between ten and 18 years old in their local community. 

Over 500 successful matches have since been made and friendships formed.  

Big Brother Big Sister volunteers will be matched with a young person and all they are asked to do is take one hour out of their week, doing simple day-to-day activities. 

Appealing for volunteers, Zoë Bradley, Head of Marketing Communications and Corporate Affairs at Toyota Ireland, said: “Through our partnership, we aim to boost the number of volunteers in the programme and raise significant awareness for this fantastic initiative. Mentoring young people is grounded in the strength of friendship. 

“It can be as simple as going for a walk, having a conversation, or participating in an activity for just an hour each week, providing a steady and reliable presence in their lives. For the last three years, Toyota has encouraged our customers, colleagues, and adults across Ireland to get involved in this initiative so they can join us on this meaningful journey,” she added.

The Big Brother Big Sister programme was first established in Ireland in 2001 by Foróige and the HSE West. Having expanded nationally in 2006, the mentorship initiative is now available in 26 counties across the country with the sole purpose of enabling young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their development and the development of society.   

From sporting pursuits such as the Meitheal Mara Rowing Programme to simple weekly outings to the cinema, the programme has seen many Bigs and Littles bond over many types of activities, with each bringing out self-confidence or giving them an outlet.  

Karen Hannify, Director of Marketing, Communications and External Relations at Foróige explained how the programme provides young people with ‘the guidance, confidence, and resources they need to unlock their potential’. 

“This partnership between Foróige and Toyota Ireland highlights the vital role mentoring plays in strengthening our communities and society. We are deeply thankful to Toyota for their belief in the Big Brother Big Sister programme and the positive influence it can have on young lives. Just one hour a week can truly make a difference,” she concluded.

Those interested can sign up on the Foróige website.