A Friend with Purpose: COACH Mentoring Programme
What if transformation in our communities began with something as simple as showing up?
Matt Crawshaw from Bishop’s Community Development Trust tells us about the COACH Mentoring programme.
In early 2024, we launched the COACH Mentoring programme as a pilot in Wellington's Eastern suburbs. We started with a handful of trained mentors who committed to walking alongside people in their neighbourhoods. What we've witnessed since then has reminded us of the profound power that lies within our church communities when we step into relationship with intention.
The heart of COACH is about "a friend with purpose". We train mentors to become someone who spends an hour each week offering encouragement, listening deeply, and providing consistent support. We believe people already carry within themselves what they need to move forward; they just need someone to believe in them.
"We walk alongside people as partners in their journey," explains Chrissy, one of our local coordinators. "It's about believing they have what it takes to move forward and being there to encourage them every step of the way."
This approach transforms both mentor and participant. We've watched relationships flourish that extend far beyond weekly meetings. A referrer from Wellington City Mission recently told us:
"One of the people I work with has built a genuine friendship with their COACH mentor. It's really helped with their loneliness, and it's great to see. The mentors lead with kindness, and I hope more people can benefit."
One participant shared with us:
"I'd be very lonely if my mentor didn't see me each week. Getting out into nature, having a chat, the fresh air – it makes a real difference."
Another described their experience this way:
"COACH mentors are special people. My mentor even helped me get to the hospital and supported me when I was unwell. They didn't have to, but that's what they do."
These stories show what can occur when we intentionally invest in relationship.
We've anchored COACH in a model that has worked effectively in Australia for over two decades, where thousands of people have achieved personal goals and strengthened community connections. But we've also shaped it by the life and teaching of Jesus – His way of walking with people, sharing life, and offering dignity.
Our mentors reflect this approach: they show up regularly, listen well, and respect each person's unique journey. As one mentor puts it, "It's about being present, not perfect."
Since we launched, we've trained 33 local mentors, and we already have a waiting list of people hoping to be matched. This tells us two things: the need in our community is significant, and our church communities are ready to respond.
The Eastern suburbs pilot is just the beginning. We envision COACH spreading across Wellington because we believe our churches hold untapped potential to walk alongside people and seek genuine transformation in our communities.
You can help by:
Becoming a mentor – We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support
Supporting the programme financially – Every dollar helps us expand into new communities
Praying for participants and mentors – Relationship-building is spiritual work
Introducing COACH to others – Help us connect with people who might benefit
If you're ready to explore how you or your church can join this programme, we'd love to hear from you. Contact our coordinators: jess@bishopstrust.com or chrissy@bishopstrust.com.
Matt Crawshaw is Manager of The Bishop's Community Development Trust
