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However, in terms of mentoring, we need more men from all walks of like to take an active role in young people’s lives. Research indicates that mentoring leads to positive outcomes for young people including improved school performance, improved peer and family relationships, and reduced incidence of drug and alcohol-related crime.

Of those boys matched to a mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters, many will have entered into relationships that will last several years and will have a positive and long term impact on their lives.

Sadly, with more than 200 young males (7- 25 years) waiting to be matched to a volunteer mentor, the ‘man drought’ is having a serious impact on our mentoring services across Victoria. On average, boys will wait more than 2 years to be matched.

Market research concluded that the fear of being labeled a pedophile was not the reason why men did not undertake mentor roles. It was more about their lack of self belief in the role that stopped them applying to be mentors. In many cases, it was when someone in a man’s inner circle suggested that they would be ideal as a male mentor that they submitted their application.

We need to create a culture that appreciates the roles men can have that directly support the positive development of boys in our community, even those boys who have had an unequal start to their lives through no fault of their own.