Will is the mentor for brothers Tim and James and believes that positive relationships can bring about real and genuine change. The boys’ single mum Suanne was focused on managing her mental health problems and therefore at times struggled to attend to the boys’ needs as well as she would like.

Suanne felt that the boys would benefit from an older male role model.

James felt directionless and uncertain about his future. Will has influenced James to complete his education and has stimulated a passion for guitar playing. James is currently completing a music subject at TAFE which involves a year-long placement in a music store in his local area, which he loves.

Tim, who enjoys football, was at risk of falling out of the education system. With Will’s encouragement and networking with education professionals, Tim has engaged with a community-based education program tailored to his specific needs.

Suanne says, “Youth COACH is really good because it gives the boys someone else to teach them what to do, steering them in the right direction. They haven’t got a father figure in their life and Will is like a big brother to them.”