Volunteer Mentoring
Our volunteer mentors are there to give their time to develop a relationship with a vulnerable young person to give them support and encouragement.
Each young person will have very different needs, so the type of contact a mentor has with a young person will vary. Their contact may include casual activities such as going out for lunch or walks; helping young people access local community activities; or providing support with finding employment or educational opportunities. No mentor relationship is the same.
Any volunteer must understand that mentoring for Break is a long-term commitment, due to the impact any changes could have on the young person, their carers and families.
We know that mentoring makes a real difference to people who find that they need the dedicated support of another person, often at a time of transition or change.
A supportive relationship with a mentor – who is not family or a close friend – can encourage a young person to make positive changes in their life.
Mentors are carefully recruited, going through a formal application process, training programme and interviews. We also take up references and an Enhanced Criminal Records check. Our standards need to be high so Break are an approved provider of the NCVO in Mentoring and Befriending. Of course we provide ongoing training and regular support too.
This year, we are running two 12-week programmes to inspire more men to enter our mentoring service.
A volunteer mentor is a unique position, aiming to support, walk alongside, listen and help guide the mentee.
When you support Break, you support the young people in need of a mentor. Your money helps us recruit and support our mentors and cover their expenses. This means we can take on more mentors for young people that can make a real difference to their lives.
Interested in becoming a volunteer mentor? Contact the team today.