Benefits of Group Mentorship: Finding Confidence & Belonging

Mentorship offers transformative support for youth, helping them overcome challenges and unlock their potential. At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we provide both 1:1 and group mentorship programs. Each plays a unique role in fostering youth development. While 1:1 mentorship provides personalized attention and deep connections, group mentorship introduces youth to the power of shared experiences and collective growth. In this article, we’ll explore the distinct benefits of group mentorship while highlighting the lasting value of 1:1 mentoring relationships.

The Benefits of Group Mentorship

Building Connection and Belonging

Loneliness is a growing concern among youth. In a 2018 survey, about a third of Canadian adolescents reported feeling lonely at school—a figure that has more than doubled since 2000(source). The pandemic has only intensified this trend, highlighting the urgent need for supportive environments where youth can feel connected and valued.

Our group mentorship programs, like MyVoice, MyPower! and Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, create a sense of belonging and community, fostering shared experiences that reduce feelings of isolation. Research shows that participants in group mentorship programs report increased peer engagement, a stronger sense of school belonging, and more meaningful involvement both at school and at home(source). By creating spaces of acceptance and connection, our programs help young people feel supported and empowered to thrive.

Learning and Growing Together

While mentors play a pivotal role in group mentorship, youth also learn valuable lessons from each other. Participants share advice, support, and encouragement in these settings, gaining both wisdom and confidence. As one Go Girls! participant shared, “The best thing was helping others by just being there to listen if they needed it and also feeling like you helped someone feel better, and everyone helped me feel better too!”

Speaking Up and Being Heard

Group mentorship programs like My Voice, My Power! offer a safe space for youth to express themselves. By sharing their thoughts and experiences in a supportive environment, youth build confidence and communication skills. The right to be heard is essential for personal development; in fact, the right of all children to be listened to is one of the fundamental values of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 12 & 13).

Building Leadership and Empathy

Group mentorship also encourages leadership and empathy. Youth have opportunities to support one another, developing skills like collaboration, empathy, and initiative. For instance, in our Go Girls! program, participants take on leadership roles in group activities, which helps them build confidence and a sense of responsibility.

1:1 Mentorship: Why it Still Matters

While group mentorship centers on collective experiences, 1:1 mentorship allows for deep, individualized connections. Mentorship programs, like our traditional Big Sisters and Study Buddy, pair youth with a dedicated mentor, offering personalized guidance that meets each mentee’s unique needs.

One of our Big Sisters shared, “I’ve seen her blossom as far as school goes. She’s studying really hard, and her grades have improved immensely. She’s gained new friends and confidence.” This one-on-one support offers the time and space needed for personal growth.

Finding the Right Support       

Studies show that youth who are mentored are twice as likely to avoid depression and three times less likely to experience social anxiety (source). Group and 1:1 mentorship each play an essential role in empowering youth, offering unique avenues for growth, learning, and support.

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we recognize that every young person follows a unique journey. For some, group mentorship offers the collaborative and supportive environment they need to grow. For others, 1:1 mentorship provides the individualized support to unlock and realize their potential. Our commitment to offering both options ensures we can meet the diverse needs of every youth we serve.