VOLUNTEER mentors will work with juvenile offenders in Sutherland Shire under a new program being funded by the State Government.

After completing a training program, the mentors will meet the young people each week for 12 months.

Many of the juveniles will be carrying out community service orders or be on probation.

Juvenile Justice Minister Graham West announced the new program, called INSPIRE an acronym for innovative, non-judgmental support program intended to re-engage.

The not-for-profit community organisation, Shire Wide Youth Services, will receive $85,000 to establish it.

Mr West made the announcement at a function at Menai attended by Shire Life representatives, Graeme Booth, Kellie Checkley, Debbie Holden, Shelly Ross, Ted Bramble and Jenny Gray, and MPs Alison Megarrity and Barry Collier.

Mr West said the aim was to provide offenders with individual support to help them change their behaviour and reduce the risk of them re-offending. They would be encouraged to participate in education or get work.