Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ireland (BBBS) is an internationally proven youth mentoring programme operated by Foróige in Ireland for the past ten years.  The programme matches young people to caring adult volunteers who provide mentoring support, guidance and encouragement to assist them in their school, family, and community lives. BBBS has a presence in 14 counties and works to help young people that need it to raise their expectations in life and fulfil their unique potential, in the face of adversity.

s Big Brothers Big Sisters is now offered as an integrated part of many Foróige managed projects and services. In fact the programme now operates in 14 counties across Ireland. Check out if BBBS operates near you

So, what’s it all about?
BBBS was established in the United States in 1904. The programme now has over 500 affiliated programmes world wide catering for over 100,000 matches. Foróige, in conjunction with the then Western Health Board piloted the programme in the West of Ireland in 2000 and it has grown from strength to strength with over 1300 matches in operation at present.


The programme operates in two ways:
Schools Programme:
This programme helps young people make the transition from primary to second level education. This can be a difficult and daunting time for a young student so the programme matches them with senior students in their secondary school who support and mentor them. They meet once a week in the school and take part in a wide range of activities available to them. This might include playing sport or board games, having a chat or just having lunch together.

Community Programme:
This programme matches an adult volunteer to a young person and they meet once a week to engage in an activity that they both enjoy. Some matches enjoy smoothies and shopping, others get active by playing their favourite sport or learning a new one. 

So, how do I volunteer?
Like the sound of being a big brother or sister? Then simply download an application form and get the process started. If you’d like more information before you get started, contact your local BBBS project worker (map locator)
You will be supported throughout the process, which is based on international best practice standards.
To begin with all interested volunteers are screened and if accepted to the programme, are provided with specific training on mentoring and child development.

The needs of each young person is assessed before they are matched to an approved volunteer. The young person's assessment helps the professional staff member to learn more about them in order to match them to the most suitable volunteer.

All friendships are carefully considered based on the needs and interests of the young person, the attributes of the volunteer and the preferences of the young person's parent.

Throughout the friendship a professional staff member meets regularly with the young person, volunteer and parent to gain feedback on the development of the friendship.

Training
Don’t worry. You will receive all the training you need. All volunteers participate in induction training prior to being matched. Once matched, ongoing support and training is also offered to all volunteers.  

Support us
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Programme needs your help to sustain and continue to grow the programme nationally and to ensure that every young person that needs a big brother or big sister has one.
There are many ways that you can support the Big Brothers Big Sisters Programme

Volunteer - Volunteers continually give of their time which is one of the most valuable elements of the programme.

Donate - We need your financial donations to keep up our good work. To find out more about how you can help check out www.bbbsireland.ie/support

or join us on our journey to build a better life for a young person that needs it at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Wall of Inspiration.