SNUG Mentoring Program

The SNUG Mentor Program was inspired by feedback from SNUG families who wanted a space where their young person could continue to build community connections, develop skills to take with them into life and give back to the program that had given them so much. With this in mind, the program is designed to:

  • Empower young adults (aged 15-25) with rare conditions to recognise and utilise their skills, strengths and knowledge by making a valued contribution to the rare conditions’ community.

  • Build confidence in workplace skills and experience in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Create opportunities for increased social connection and build social support network for young adults.

  • Create opportunities for families to share their knowledge and experience with younger families living with rare conditions.

  • Develop leadership capacity and a pathway to share their lived experience with others.

“Our kids don’t get put into that role of being a leader... for my child it’s their first opportunity”
— Parent of a SNUG Mentor

How it works:

  1. Mentors engage with activities, to build skills and knowledge, that have been sent to their home.

  2. These learnings are further developed with weekly facilitated online sessions, where mentors connect with each other and develop an understanding of their role.

  3. Mentors attend a SNUG Retreat where they put their skills into practice, connecting with other families.

  4. Mentors participate in a post retreat online reflection session and acknowledge the progress they have made.