A new programme supporting teenage boys growing up without fathers has launched in Tauranga, backed by an $8000 grant from the Bay of Plenty Education Trust.

The Big Buddy Group Programme — designed to foster connection, confidence and personal growth — offers boys aged 14 to 17 the chance to engage in outdoor challenges and mentoring over eight weeks, helping them build relationships and develop life skills.

The programme, which was successfully piloted in Auckland, was introduced in Tauranga over Term 3 this year.

It is designed with a mentoring focus to help improve the boys’ communication skills, help them build stronger interpersonal relationships, and improve wellbeing and confidence. It also aims to give a sense of belonging and help the boys aspire to educational, vocational or career goals.

There is so much value in backing organisations that work in this space, BOPET chairman Nick Earl said in a statement.

“The financial support is in line with the Trust’s desire to assist organisations and agencies offering support (and alternative education opportunities) to benefit the district’s youth,” he said.

Big Buddy Mentoring Trust co-leader Steve Sobota said research showed that boys growing up without a male role model are more likely to struggle with anxiety, feelings of abandonment and reduced emotional security.

“Unfortunately, when boys and young men grow up in a world that lacks positive male role models, their ability to keep on track and stay connected to others becomes more challenging,” Sobata said.

Nine Tauranga boys have already completed an eight-week journey of adventure, connection, and personal growth. Another group will get underway next year.

Activities have included tackling a high ropes course, mountain biking, hiking, and camping under the stars, all with a focus of moving them outside their comfort zones, challenging them and encouraging them to develop new skills.

The Big Buddy organisation is recognised as not only a leading light of support for the boys, but also for their mums or caregivers.

As one Tauranga mum noted: “My son has started connecting with new people, building friendships and finding others to spend time with.

“I believe it’s especially valuable for him to have relationships with peers who understand his experience of not having a father present, without placing pressure on him to talk about it directly. Instead, he’s in an environment where he feels genuinely accepted and understood.

“I know he’s happy to have been welcomed into the group programme, and he’s been actively reaching out to those he’s met and formed friendships with.”

Big Buddy had already positively impacted Tauranga through its programme for boys aged seven to 13, also growing up without dads.

In the past five years about 50 Western Bay of Plenty boys in this age group have directly benefitted through being matched with male mentors.

In the BOP Education Trust’s latest gifting round, just shy of $30,000 has been distributed to Graeme Dingle-Project K and WBOP Life Education initiatives, and to WBOP House of Science as well as Big Buddy. The Big Buddy Group Programme is a new recipient given its recent introduction to Tauranga.

Earl said the Trust was happy to extend its outreach to such a new, worthy organisation.

The Trust was always open to considering other agencies and organisations to support, whether by way of sponsorship or in partnership with other parties.

Its area of support covers the coastal Bay of Plenty stretching from Katikati down to Opotiki.

Those with suggestions regarding worthy recipients or partnerships can contact tom@inghammora.co.nz.