OUR IMPACT

Growing up in regional, rural, and remote Western Australia comes with unique benefits, close-knit communities, connection to the land, and resilience, but it also brings challenges that can limit young people’s opportunities, confidence, and future pathways. At Wheatbelt & Beyond Youth Mentoring (WBYM), we exist to address these challenges and ensure every teenager has the support and encouragement they need to thrive. 

Why Mentoring Matters for Rural Youth 

The challenges facing our country kids

  • Geographic Isolation

    Many students live far from regional centres and schools, limiting access to educational, social, and extracurricular opportunities. Small towns can make it difficult for young people to experience diverse environments, meet new people, or see alternative career pathways. 

  • Educational Barriers

    District High Schools (DHSs) in rural WA often provide only Kindergarten to Year 10. Students wanting to complete Years 11–12 face additional challenges, including limited local options for completing senior secondary education and emotional and financial barriers to travelling or relocating.

  • Social Isolation

    Small school cohorts, sometimes as few as 30 students, mean teens often socialise with the same peers for years. While this builds familiarity and community, it can also limit confidence in forming new relationships, reduce social diversity, and make stepping outside comfort zones intimidating. 

  • Mental Health Risks

    Adolescence is challenging everywhere, but when combined with geographical and social isolation, young people in rural WA are at increased risk of mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and suicide. The Western Australian Suicide Prevention Strategy 2020 identifies rural adolescents as part of two out of three priority populations at higher risk. 

The Ripple Effect of These Challenges 

Without support, these challenges can lead to: 

  • Reduced confidence and self-esteem 

  • Limited awareness of post-school pathways 

  • Poor engagement in school and community 

  • Emotional struggles and increased vulnerability 

For parents, teachers, and communities, these challenges are compounded by the difficulty of providing consistent, long-term support that goes beyond the classroom. 

How WBYM Makes a Difference 

WBYM addresses these challenges through long-term, flexible mentoring.

Trusted adult mentors

Students are paired with positive role models from outside their community, providing perspective, guidance, and emotional support. 

Regular communication

Weekly emails (with optional calls or video chats) give students a consistent connection to a caring adult. 

Face-to-face and community experiences

Camps and school visits help expand social networks and provide new experiences. 

Empowerment and growth

Mentors help students develop confidence, resilience, and communication skills, giving them the tools to explore new opportunities.

Since 2011, over 500 students have participated in the program. Today, WBYM operates in 9 schools across the Wheatbelt and seeks to start a new school each year.  

For families, schools, and communities, WBYM is more than a mentoring program, it’s a lifeline. For students, it’s the support they need to dream bigger, aim higher, and step confidently into their future.