More than just a job.

On Monday the 2nd of June we received the worst news any service provider could ever receive. One of our beloved participants tragically passed away. 

Out of respect for the family I won’t mention the young man's name. But I think it’s important to mention what we witnessed at his funeral and how this has reminded me why I got into this industry and showed me how the people you hire can make such an impact on the participants that you match them with. 

Support work is not just a job, especially when you spend every night each week in the participants home with their entire family. When his mother reached out to us and said that the first two rows are reserved for the Mentor Mates and Movement 5 care team, we were honoured to say the least. The family wanted us to sit directly behind them during the toughest time their family has ever experienced. 

Not only that, the family also gave two of our staff, Finlay and Lleyton, the greatest honour of speaking at their son's funeral. I knew these young men had what it took to express their love for this young man and to his family but I didn't know that they would redefine our mission at Mentor Mates. Both men shared stories of all the moments and memories that they had had with this young man. As they fought back tears they explained how much this boy changed their lives rather than them changing his. 

Finlay and Lleyton's speeches showed me what it really means to be a support worker. Quite often we get so caught up in the support that we often take this for granted, but the work that you do and the time that you spend with these people has a long lasting effect on them and their families. No matter how long you spend with these people, make the most of every moment because you can never be sure how many more moments you will have left with them. 

It's more than support work. It’s building connections, it’s growing with the person you work with and it's navigating the highs and lows of life together. 

To our Mentor's, as hard as this moment is. It's important not to forget that, as you saw during the funeral, these families truly need you. The work you did with this young man, to build his capacity and commend his bravery and teach him how a young man with good morals should act in this world is valuable and goes beyond the limits of a job.

What you do has an effect on everyone around you. The way you connect with the people you care for is a great skill to have and that is why I think you are perfect as a mentor and any participant you work with would be lucky to have you.

From the entire Mentor Mates team we would like to thank the family that gave us this incredible opportunity to be a part of this young man's life. And we hope to make the same impact on every participant we have the pleasure of working with. 

Love,

Mentor Mates.