Pictured at the launch of Toyota Ireland and Foróige call for Big Brother Big Sister volunteers across the country were Aidan Magee, 14, Tiana Costello, 10, Paul O’Connell, AJ Mooney, 15. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography.

Foróige seeks mentors in Westmeath for Big Brother Big Sister programme

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Rugby legend and Toyota ambassador Paul O’Connell is calling on people in Westmeath and across the country to volunteer for Foróige’s Big Brother Big Sister programme, which is seeking new mentors for the 2025/2026 term.

The initiative, running in Ireland since 2001, matches caring adults with young people aged 10 to 18 who would benefit from extra guidance and friendship.

Volunteers are asked to give just one hour a week, whether for a chat, a walk, or another simple activity, with the aim of providing steady support and encouragement to teenagers.

Since Toyota Ireland partnered with Foróige in 2022, more than 600 pairings have been made nationwide. With demand for mentors continuing to rise, especially male volunteers and those in rural communities, the organisation is appealing for more people in Westmeath to get involved.

“As a long-time brand ambassador for Toyota, I’m delighted to back this fantastic partnership with Foróige,” said O’Connell.

“The Big Brother Big Sister programme is an incredible initiative that shows how a small amount of time can have such a big impact on a young person’s life.

There are so many young people across Ireland who could really benefit from additional support from someone in their community, and I’m encouraging anyone who can spare one hour a week to sign up.

”Potential mentors are matched based on compatibility and supported throughout the process by Foróige. Those interested can learn more and register at bigbrotherbigsister.ie.

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