Simon, a 13-year-old boy, was grappling with severe depression and anxiety after enduring a brutal gang assault at a local train station. This traumatic incident shattered his sense of safety, making him unable to leave the house. His situation was dire, and he desperately needed help.
His mother reached out to our Mentoring Program, and Simon was matched with Tim, a compassionate and thoughtful mentor who worked for an online mental health support service.
Tim recognised Simon's struggles and knew that he needed a lifeline. But Simon's inability to leave the house meant in-person mentorship was initially impossible.
"Until I met Tim, I thought I'd never go outside again."
Luckily, Tim's background in online and phone-based crisis counselling gave him the skills to provide Simon with invaluable remote support, calling him each week so that Simon could speak openly about his trauma, anxiety and fear.
"It was a struggle to help Simon open up due to his understandable distrust of the outside world. I knew that I had to help him. I had to be there for him as a listener and as a friend."
Over time, mutual respect and trust developed between the two, with Simon showing keen interest in Tim's passion for hiking. Together, they created a plan to build Simon's confidence back up so he could one day join Tim on a wilderness trek.
Simon began taking short walks outside, something he hadn't been able to do for over a year. He gradually expanded his route to include laps of his street and eventually out into the broader suburb.
"Seeing him take those first steps outside again and get his confidence back was incredible. I was so proud of him."
Through Tim’s mentorship, Simon was eventually able to overcome his anxiety and catch a train to meet Tim in-person so they could hike his favourite trail.
Simon and Tim are still in regular contact, with Simon now introducing Tim to new areas to hike and explore.
"Tim showed me there's nothing wrong with being vulnerable and that it's okay to ask for help. I'll never forget what he’s done for me."
This story is a testament to the extraordinary power of mentorship. Simon will always hold a special place in his heart for Tim, someone who believed in him when he couldn't believe in himself.
16 June 2022
