FAQ
About being a Big
What is the time commitment expected of a Big?
Bigs commit to a long-term (18-24 months), one-to-one mentoring relationship, spending a few hours together on a regular basis. While many matches meet weekly, connecting every second or third week can also work, depending on the match. Consistency and support are key.
Do I need previous experience working with children or youth?
No previous experience is required. Bigs come from all backgrounds, and full training and ongoing support are provided. What matters most is a genuine interest in building a positive, supportive relationship with a young person.
What support is provided?
Bigs are supported throughout the match by dedicated service delivery staff who provide training, regular check-ins, guidance, and resources. Support is always available to help navigate questions, celebrate successes, and ensure the mentoring relationship is safe and positive.
What if my availability changes after I’m matched?
Life happens. If your availability changes, service delivery staff will work with you to adjust schedules or explore options that support the match. Open communication is key, and Bigs are never expected to manage changes on their own.
Is there a cost to volunteer as a Big?
There is no cost to volunteer as a Big, and spending money on activities is never an expectation. The focus is on low- to no-cost activities, with many free opportunities and events provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of their criminal record check.
What happens after the session?
After the Orientation Session, you’ll receive forms to begin enrolment and screening, details on the Criminal Record and Child Abuse Registry checks, and a Big Profile form. Once the required checks are received, you’ll be able to schedule your interview.
Who is eligible to volunteer as a Big?
Adults 18 years and older who can commit to a long-term mentoring relationship and successfully complete the screening process are eligible to volunteer as a Big. No previous mentoring experience is required.
How long can it take to complete the Volunteer Screening and Enrolment Process?
The time it takes can depend greatly on the various steps. Generally, we can complete a volunteer enrolment in about 4 weeks but it can take longer. Volunteers must provide their Criminal Records Check and Child Abuse Registry Search results to us as they are not provided directly. We also require 4 references and the time they take to respond to our requests for information can also add time to the process.
Do I need to have a car / vehicle?
No, a vehicle is not required to participate in the program. When a match is selected for you we’ll take this into consideration.
Match Activities & Supervision
A common question from prospective volunteers is whether they will be “alone” with a child or youth during mentoring activities. This is a very understandable question, and it is one that many volunteers—particularly male volunteers—raise when considering mentoring.
In community-based mentoring programs, mentors and youth typically spend time together doing everyday activities such as going for a walk, visiting a park, working on a hobby, or participating in community activities. These activities are intended to help build trust and connection over time.
While mentoring activities generally take place without a staff member physically present, mentoring relationships are structured and actively supervised by professional staff.
Each mentoring match is supported by a Match Support Specialist, whose role is to ensure the relationship remains safe, positive, and beneficial for everyone involved.
Supervision includes:
• Regular check-ins with the volunteer, the youth, and the child’s parent or caregiver
• Ongoing professional oversight of the mentoring relationship
• Guidance and support for mentors if questions or concerns arise
• Required in-person meetings and match reviews at certain stages of the relationship
• Clear guidelines and expectations for appropriate mentoring activities and boundaries
Mentors are never expected to manage a mentoring relationship on their own. Staff remain involved throughout the life of the match to provide support, monitor the relationship, and ensure that both the young person and the volunteer feel comfortable and supported.
These practices help ensure that mentoring relationships remain safe, appropriate, and positive experiences for everyone involved.
Many volunteers find that the combination of independence in activities and ongoing professional support creates a mentoring experience that is both meaningful and well-supported.
Anyone considering volunteering who has questions about safety, expectations, or supervision is encouraged to speak with agency staff, who are happy to explain the mentoring process in more detail.
Screening & Enrolment of Bigs
Prospective Bigs must first attend an Information and Orientation Session facilitated by an agency staff member. These generally run 2.5 – 3 hours.
After attending the session, the Big must then complete required forms:
– Permission & Release
– Confidentiality Agreement
– Media Release
– Community Engagement Information Release
It’s important to note that the Media and Community Engagement Release forms do need to be signed but volunteers are not required to consent to the use of media or the community engagement release. The form can be signed as declined.
A Big Profile & Application form is also required to be completed. This form provides information about the Big, such as contact information, interests, availability, etc. The Application form is also where a Big provides their 4 references. This is sent to applicants after the required consent forms are signed.
The Big must also submit a recent Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector and a Child Abuse Registry Search results. The original emails with these from the respective departments must be forwarded to Halifax.enrolment@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Once we receive the required forms and background checks, Bigs are asked to schedule an In Person interview. These generally take about 2 hours and are 1:1 with a member of the Service Delivery team.
Once all required items are received, the Service Delivery team reviews all available information to assess the Bigs suitability for program involvement. While most Bigs are accepted into the program, occasionally the organization may decline an application.
Are there other volunteer opportunities?
Yes, if being a Big isn’t what you are looking for it’s possible another opportunity might fit. Board members, committee members, and special event volunteers are also important roles with the organization.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax
The Greater Halifax agency is part of the broader Big Brothers Big Sisters network in Canada. The national organization supports member agencies by providing services and programs such as staff training workshops and a child safety program to help maintain quality programming across the country.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax is a mentoring organization serving children and youth in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The organization’s vision is that all young people realize their full potential. Its work is centered on creating and supporting mentoring relationships that help young people build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of belonging.
The organization has been operating in Halifax since 1967. Big Brothers Big Sisters has been in Canada since 1913, and originally started in the U.S. in 1904.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax offers mentoring programs for children and youth, supported by trained volunteers and professional staff. Mentoring as a way to help young people become happier, more resilient, and more engaged in their communities.