Melbourne, Australia – Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia today highlighted compelling new research showing that volunteer mentoring not only transforms young lives but also delivers strong economic returns for the community.
CEO Mark Watt said the evidence is clear: structured, high-quality mentoring—built on clear targets, well-trained volunteers, and strong relationship support—produces outcomes that are both socially significant and economically compelling.
"We now know beyond doubt that when you invest in volunteer mentoring, you're not just investing in a young person's future—you're also reducing long-term costs to society," Mr Watt said.
The Research Evidence
Reduced crime and substance use: National and international studies show mentored young people are significantly less likely to be arrested or engage in substance use.
Stronger school engagement: Australian evaluations of volunteer school-based mentoring demonstrate improvements in resilience, help-seeking, and connectedness to school communities.
High economic return: Independent cost–benefit analysis estimates every dollar invested in mentoring yields more than eight dollars in social and economic value, largely through reduced crime and increased educational attainment.
Why Mentoring Works
"Mentoring works because it's targeted, it's consistent, and it's backed by training and support," Mr Watt said.
"Volunteers are not left to 'work it out themselves.' We set clear goals, we train and equip mentors, and we monitor the quality of each relationship. That's why we see such powerful and lasting outcomes."
A Call to Action
Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia is calling on governments, philanthropists, and corporate partners to increase investment in mentoring, to meet growing demand across communities.
"The research tells us that this is not just a feel-good initiative—it is one of the smartest, most cost-effective social investments we can make," Mr Watt said.
"With greater support, we can connect more young Australians with the stable, positive adult role models they need to thrive."
