New research undertaken this month (September) is set to highlight the benefits of a unique mentoring programme, which began in the US over 100 years ago, and was first piloted here in Galway.

The Big Brother Big Sister initiative is an internationally renowned mentoring programme that forms a friendship between an adult volunteer and a young person who needs extra support.

Alan Quinn, who is Project Officer with the Big Brother Big Sisters of Ireland programme based in the Westside Community Resource Centre. Photo: Declan Monaghan

Research in the US has shown that teenagers involved in the programme are 53 per cent less likely to skip school, 46 per cent less likely to start using drugs and 27 per cent less likely to start drinking alcohol before the legal age limit. A similar comprehensive two-year study is now being carried out in Galway and is anticipated to uncover similar findings.

Alan Quinn is the Big Brother Big Sister Project Officer in Galway and has been a 'big brother' for a year and a half. He heard of the initiative through a friend and has not looked back.

"The simple idea of friendship can be life changing," says Alan. "I thought the idea was brilliant. I have no younger cousins, nieces or nephews, so I grabbed the chance to be someone's 'big brother'. I have been matched for a year and a half and it takes just one hour a week."

The young people involved in the programme are aged between ten and 18. They may have poor social skills, may not have enough support at home, may come from a disadvantaged background or may not have friends their own age due to low self esteem or geographic location. They may be insecure, overly dependent on a family member, or could be showing early signs of anti-social behaviour. Together with their 'big brother or big sister' they can benefit from developing a friendship with a caring adult outside of their own family.

"Many people have grown up in difficult circumstances but have been successful because they have had a caring adult in their life," explains Alan.

The Big Brother Big Sister programme matches adults to their 'little brother or sister'. A staff member works closely with a volunteer to match them based on similar interests, hobbies and complementary personality traits. Volunteers are provided with plenty of backup and support and can decide on what activity they would like to do, from coffee to computers and football.

"It's great fun," says Alan. "I can feel the improvement in my 'little brother' after a year and a half. As an adult, it's a great way to de-stress after a hectic week. We can all take life too seriously and it's a chance to rediscover your inner child.