I CAN Mentor Program

I CAN Mentor Program

This term we had a selection of Year 7-8 student participating in an 8 week I CAN Mentor Program.  Led by two I CAN Facilitators, students came together each week, not necessarily knowing each other to start and formed amazing connections with each other as well as Ryan and Grace, from I CAN.  Each week, they played games and activities that encouraged teamwork, identifying personal motivations and strengths, communication, planning and organisation and most importantly the ability to share their stories to say I CAN.  

I would like to particularly thank Katie Bingham and Tarryn Tracey for their support of the program each week.  They quickly built relationships with all the students, knowing there were always trusted adults supporting them.  

This is the third I CAN Mentor Program we have been involved with over recent years.  The program is funded by the Department of Education School Mental Health Menu.  Importantly, the I CAN Mentor Program has a significant positive impact on the engagement of a student at school.  We already have 3 students from this year's program wanting to complete the program again next year which demonstrates the power of how this program empowers Autistic and neurodiverse young people to have a sense of belonging, optimism, self-acceptance, pride and confidence in themselves.