Support Program

Access mentoring program

One-to-one mentoring and job readiness support, building confidence, connection and pathways to work and new opportunities.

Who is Access for?

Access supports women (cis and trans) and non-binary people who are comfortable in women’s spaces, aged 18+, who are moving beyond crisis and ready to focus on what comes next.

The program is for people who:

Face barriers to employment, including homelessness, domestic and family violence or displacement
Want to build confidence, develop new skills and get ready for work at their own pace
Are looking for mentoring and support to take their next steps towards work, education or training

Participants are currently referred through their WAGEC case manager.

External referrals are not yet open.

How it works

Access is a free program that combines practical support with human connection. Each mentoring relationship is shaped around the individual, their goals, and what moving forward looks like for them.

One-on-one mentoring and support

Participants are matched with trained volunteer mentors who offer guidance, encouragement, and a consistent presence.

Practical support that meets real needs

From career planning to building new skills, the Access program gives participants practical support that helps them move forward.

Building confidence and connection

Support to rebuild self-belief, expand their networks, and reconnect with opportunities that may have felt out of reach.

Pathways to work and education

Participants can explore employment and study options, career planning support, workshops, and scholarships to help them achieve their goals.

mentee spotlight

**"I'm a much happier and more confident person now.**

I feel grateful to everyone who supported me in my dark days and hope to give back that care and love when I can."

Impact

Everyone deserves a chance to rebuild

The path to healing is rarely straightforward. And the systems meant to support recovery do not always meet people where they are. Access exists to bridge that gap.

A critical part of our innovative support model designed to break cycles of violence and disadvantage, Access is built on a simple but powerful idea: it’s not about fixing people, it’s about backing them. When mentees are met with consistency and connection, they grow self-belief and can better shape their own futures.

600+

mentees supported since the program began

489

volunteer mentors trained since the program began

$10,000+

in scholarship help awarded over FY25-26 to help towards training and employment costs

Get involved in the
Access program

Become a MENTOR

Mentoring is a meaningful way to help others explore their goals and move forward on their own terms. You do not need to have all the answers. Showing up consistently is what makes the difference.

Access mentors are recruited from the WAGEC Volunteer Collective based on program demand, with a short selection process to ensure the right fit for both mentors and participants.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

Reliability: able to commit around one hour per week for a minimum of six months

Good communication and interpersonal skills: the ability to build supportive and respectful relationships

Experience: participating in the workforce, job searching, or navigating employment pathways

Become a MENTEE

If you feel ready to build your confidence, identify your strengths, and work towards study, employment, or wellbeing goals, we encourage you to apply for the Access program and take this step towards economic security.

If your immediate needs are more centred on safety, accommodation, or counselling, we recommend you first work with a social worker or counsellor, and apply to Access when you feel that you have the time and energy to focus on goal setting.

TO BE ELIGIBLE:

Aged 18+
Based in Greater Sydney
Identify as a woman or non-binary

Interested in joining?

Get a referral from your WAGEC case manager.

mentor spotlight

"Mentoring is such a powerful way to support others

- never underestimate your ability to help."
Now mentoring her third mentee, Susan describes the journey as one of patience, trust, and connection...

faqs

Questions about the program

Access mentoring is typically offered for up to six months, depending on individual needs. Once matched, you and your mentor will agree on a time and frequency that works best, either in person or online.

Mentoring is most effective when you have time and space to focus on goal setting and future planning. If you need immediate support with safety, housing, or counselling, we recommend you address these firsthand, returning to Access when the time is right.

Mentees are currently referred to the program through WAGEC case managers. External referrals are not currently open. However, if you would like to submit an expression of interest or enquire about the Access program, please get in touch with our team.

Fund the program

Support more women to rebuild confidence, expand opportunities, and move towards financial independence.

Your support helps make the Access program possible, including:

One-on-one mentoring relationships grounded in trust and consistency

Training and support for mentors to deliver trauma-informed care

Workshops, job readiness programs, and skills development opportunities

Scholarships and practical support to remove barriers to study and employment

What to do next

Explore other ways to volunteer

Interested in volunteering? Take a look at all of WAGEC's volunteering opportunities.

Join the movement

Fund programs that help families recover from violence and build safer futures.

Visit the Resource Library

Explore resources and insights to better understand the drivers of violence and support your next steps.

WAGEC acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Changing futures
beyond violence.

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WAGEC is an ACNC Registered Charity
ABN: 92622900342