The program, which links new community members of a non-English speaking background to Orange residents willing to provide assistance with language, bureaucracy and settling in, currently has a waiting list of 15 people seeking an Orange mentor.

However, Migrant and Refugee Mentoring Program coordinator Carmel Dunn said 30 to 40 volunteers were needed to cover the increasing demand for the service.

Volunteers would be required to complete a training course, offered over two Saturdays in August, before being linked with a mentee.

“We have an increasing number of new people arriving and are always looking for more volunteers,” Mrs Dunn said.

“I would love to see 30 to 40 people do this next course.”

Mrs Dunn said there was a particular need for male mentors and that any additional volunteers would allow for mentors to be allocated to individuals as well as whole families.

Since its inception in 2007, the program has been successful as a support and advocacy network for new community members.

Mentor Sue Kasper, who joined the program in 2009, said she enjoyed the opportunity to provide assistance to Orange residents of a different cultural background.

Her mentee, Aboung Your from Sudan, said Mrs Kasper’s assistance had allowed her to become more independent.

“She’s helped me with appointments, bringing me to activities and has helped me learn more about Orange,” she said.

Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact Migrant and Refugee Mentoring Program coordinator Carmel Dunn at the Community Services and Information Centre in Kite Street.

Mentoring in the Community training will be offered at Orange TAFE on Saturday, August 8, and Saturday, August 22.