Mentor stories

What’s been your most memorable experience whilst working with Champion Mentors?

One of my most memorable support shifts was one of my first. We got to know each other on the journey to a water hole. The sheer beauty of the place and joyful smiles made the day amazing.

Have you been able to do any activities or travel whilst working with Champion Mentors?

The range of day-to-day activities can be astounding. You might be paddling in a creek or fishing one day, then exploring the Hinterland or touring an entertainment precinct or theme park the next. Every day is an adventure with Champion Mentors.

What’s the work culture like at Champion Mentors?

The culture is genuinely incredible. The team is like-minded, loads of fun and really supports each other. This makes coming to work THE BEST feeling.

Does Champion Mentors offer you flexibility with your allocations?

Yes – flexibility was one of the most important and attractive aspects of working here. Nobody tells you when you have to work. You let them know when YOU want to work.

Do you feel supported by Champion Mentors?

No matter what I’ve encountered, support has always been available. A good debrief, a call to say “G’day” or just to catch a coffee – the head office team is available for any concerns.

What advice would you give to a new Mentor?

Just be your best, authentic self! You’ll be surprised how quickly you create relationships with honest conversations and having a good old laugh.

Also, never underestimate the power of a good chat during “car time” – it’s a really great, low-pressure space to get conversations rolling.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Being part of the Champion Mentors team means you can change someone’s life for the better – especially yours!

What’s been your most memorable experience whilst working with Champion Mentors?

Watching one of my participants sing in front of a crowd of 300 people as the lead in his school's musical despite being too shy to sing in front of his parents less than 18 months prior.

Have you been able to do any activities or travel whilst working with Champion Mentors?

I’ve had lots of great adventures out in the Gold Coast hinterland, discovering new mountains and climbing their daunting cliffs. I believe mountains are the perfect place for therapy, and I appreciate every opportunity to share in the thrill and anxiety of a new conquest. For someone with self-doubt, a summit is undeniable proof of their own capacity to become the champion of their own life.

What’s the work culture like at Champion Mentors?

We are all just striving to be our best selves while honouring the people we are.

Does Champion Mentors offer you flexibility with your allocations?

Definitely. The team has been very conscious of my other commitments and ensures that each new Participant sent my way was a conversation rather than a demand.

Do you feel supported by Champion Mentors?

As much as each moment of support is the Participant's choice, my own workload and the way I decided to go about it was mine. If there was a Participant I didn't feel prepared for, I was given the necessary training. If there was an incident I didn't know how to handle, there was someone I could call who’d been through it before. If I just needed to chat about how I was feeling, there was always someone I could lean on.

What advice would you give to a new Mentor?

This job can be incredibly cathartic. I hope I’ve been able to teach my participants half as much as I've been taught. Give yourself over to the idea that your journey with each participant is a collaborative rather than hierarchical one.

What’s been your most memorable experience whilst working with Champion Mentors?

When my participant expressed to me how grateful and happy he was to have me as his support worker, it made me feel I was making a real difference in his life. This will always be memorable.

Have you been able to do any activities or travel whilst working with Champion Mentors?

I’ve gained skills in rock climbing that I would not have normally strived for in my everyday life. Doing this with my Participant each week has really upskilled us both! I may also be travelling to Perth with a Participant to go to an educational conference.

What’s the work culture like at Champion Mentors?

The work culture is amazing. I’ve never worked in such a caring and supportive workplace where everyone will always step up and help others. Every day is different in this field of work, but Champion Mentors always make it fun! I work with the most amazing team who always strive for the best outcome.

Does Champion Mentors offer you flexibility with your allocations?

Since the day I started, I’ve always had the opportunity to build up the amount of work that suits my capacity. They allow great flexibility in finding shifts to suit your needs.

Do you feel supported by Champion Mentors?

Champion Mentors has always made me feel supported while on shift with Participants, and the admin team always answer questions. They also give me the opportunity to use equipment, such as paddleboards, to allow my Participant the chance to try something new.

What advice would you give to a new Mentor?

Trust the process. Champion Mentors will match you with some amazing Participants, and this company will very quickly show you that it’s the most rewarding and special job you could have. You’ll build some amazing relationships with the team and Participants, and you’ll experience some incredible, fun things.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Working at Champion Mentors has opened my eyes to a lot of new experiences, and I will be forever grateful to them.

What’s been your most memorable experience whilst working with Champion Mentors?

I helped one of my participants buy her first car. From budgeting, saving, going to car dealerships, test drives, paperwork and, finally, picking it up and driving it home. It was an amazing moment to be a part of.

What’s the work culture like at Champion Mentors?

The culture is excellent. While it’s a big team, I feel like part of the family, not just another employee or number.

Does Champion Mentors offer you flexibility with your allocations?

Sure do. They offer me support shifts around my schedule and family life which I can accept or decline. I’ve never felt pressure to do a support. It’s always been my choice.

Do you feel supported by Champion Mentors?

I do. If I’m unsure or need advice, no matter when I can call – even after hours – I can speak with my manager or someone in my team.

What advice would you give to a new Mentor?

Be open to new experiences. Participants have shown me places that I’ve never been. I feel that I’ve learned from them as much as they have learned from me.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I was amazed at how much rapport I instantly had my participants. Champion Mentors does a great job matchmaking Mentors with Participants depending on their interests.

What’s been your most memorable experience whilst working with Champion Mentors?

I’ve had so many memorable experiences, but I’d have to say that taking a participant on a survival camp to South Stradbroke Island for two days on a kayak was a highlight for me. It's very rewarding to see our participants step out of their comfort zone and take on such a great challenge, as well as catch some great fish.

Have you been able to do any activities or travel whilst working with Champion Mentors?

I’ve always been into hiking, but since working for Champion Mentors, I’ve been able to explore so many different hikes in South East QLD and Northern NSW with my participants. It's been amazing to see so many beautiful parts of our hinterland and beaches.

What’s the work culture like at Champion Mentors?

Being with Champion Mentors for quite some time has allowed me to get to know the team very well. The culture is positive and supportive. With my team around me, I feel I can overcome any challenge.

Does Champion Mentors offer you flexibility with your allocations?

Working at Champion Mentors suits my lifestyle very well, and they have always been accommodating to my availability.

What advice would you give to a new Mentor?

I recommend that any new Mentors always remember that you have a team of people behind you to help overcome any challenges you may be facing in your support. There's always someone to answer the phone and help you out. Be confident, honest, and positive, and you will grow as a support worker.