De’s activities range from helping students with their school work to being part of their support network or just providing company.

“I get heaps out of it – being able to give something back to the community or school, you learn a lot,” she said. “It’s very satisfying when you see a student trust you or improve in their school work through the time you’ve spent with them.

“It’s nice being around young people and attempting to understand them and what their needs are too.”

De said that she picked the school environment because it can be such a hard environment for the students.

“It’s giving them somewhere to come that they can open up and talk, offering them a friendly ear,” she said.

“It’s very satisfying; it can be difficult at times, sometimes I’m not sure how to help, but often just being there can mean a lot to a student,” she said.

The school is looking for more volunteers to become mentors to young students, working on a one on one basis and becoming a role model to that student for one hour a week during normal school hours. Requirements include patience, empathy, life experience and a sense of humour.

Free training and support are offered to all volunteers. Anybody who is interested can contact either Jeanette Hutchinson on 9731 1060 or Ralph Mitchell on 9534 6331.