The Hunter Youth Mentor Collaborative (HYMC) is an umbrella organisation for groups providing youth mentoring programs. 

HYMC assists youth mentor groups to develop, support and promote the growth of mentoring programs by providing a strong collaborative network involving community, business and government.

Our services include:monthly networking meetings; special forums on topics related to mentoring, marketing, recruitment, training and funding; providing funding for special projects; advocating on behalf of mentoring groups.

The HYMC was officially launched October 25, 2005.

Our history/achievements:

2002:

NBN Television launches its We Care - Kids Project representing its long-term commitment to the community to raise awareness about youth related issues. NBN Television holds six telethons across northern NSW including one in the Hunter.

2003:

When researching youth disadvantage and recording a series of on-air commercials to promote the We Care - Kids Project the benefits of mentoring programs become increasingly apparent. NBN Television holds initial discussions with NSW Police Service and PCYC regarding available mentoring services. Hunter Health and the Hunter Business Chamber become involved to explore the development of a mentor program.

A newly formed mentor program called Hunter Star Foundation joins the discussion. A Mentor Program Advisory Group (MPAC) is formed for the Hunter Star Foundation.

2004:

Mentoring groups including Plan-It Youth believe this type of valuable support would be helpful to it and a number of other mentoring groups operating across the community. Discussions begin about broadening the role of MPAC.

2005:

Feb: In conjunction with Hunter Star Foundation a Mentor Information Expo is held at Broadmeadow PCYC. It outlines TAFE training options for people wanting to become mentors.

May: The Hunter Youth Mentor Collaborative steering committee is formed. NBN Televison’s We Care - Kids Project coordinator Melinda Smith acts as interim chairperson. Workshops are held with mentoring groups to facilitate the formation of an umbrella organisation for youth mentoring groups.

October: Draft constitution developed - HYMC is officially launched by Prof. Trevor Waring at a special function held at Wests. Interested people from mentor groups, ngos, community, business and government invited to attend.

November: Elections of committee members held. Brian Doyle appointed first HYMC chairperson; Melinda Smith is appointed Vice Chairperson, Jill Wyborn Secretary and Halina Paczynski Treasurer.

2006:

Jan: First of the HYMC networking monthly meetings held.

Feb: HYMC Mentor Information Expo at the Hunter Business Chamber covering issues such as training, mentor involvement and responsibilities.
 
Official community partnerships formed with Sensis/Yellow, Newcastle Business Club and National Youth Mentoring Network.

HYMC becomes incorporated under the (NSW) Associations Incorporation Act.

2007:

Monthly networking meetings continue.

With funding from Sensis/Yellow, HYMC establishes its Educational Scholarships Program to provide financial assistance to young people who are at risk of dropping out of school.

June: Holds first Regional Mentoring Forum in conjunction with Youth Mentoring Network at the Hunter Business Chamber.

2008:

February: HYMC helps the Spastic Centre to establish its Ignition Mentoring Program in the Hunter by linking it with the Greater Building Society.

May: HYMC holds second successful Mentoring Workshop in partnership with Youth Mentoring Network.

August: CDSE funding obtained to further expand scholarship program. HYMC Educational Scholarships second round announced.

September: Meeting structure changed to accommodate updated constitution. General network meetings now held bi-monthly with all HYMC governance issues discussed at separate Executive meetings.

2009:

April - HYMC Educational Scholarships awarded to seven young people from the Hunter to help them to continue their education.

April - Annual Regional Mentoring Forum held in conjunction with the national Youth Mentoring Network. the topic was Caring for Youth and Strategies for Protecting the Image of Mentoring.

August - At AGM, Kay Sharp AM is appointed new chair. Outgoing chair Brian Doyle is made HYMC's first life member in recognition of his outstanding service to the organisation.