Volunteer Mentor - Children and Young People

Volunteer Mentor

Children's charity Mentor Link is recruiting Volunteer Mentors from the West Midlands and Gloucestershire, to provide one-to-one mentoring and therapeutic support to vulnerable and distressed children and young people who may be facing social and emotional difficulties, and create a more positive attitude towards themselves and learning. With over 23 years' experience of providing a dedicated mentoring service, the well-being of young people forms the focus of our work.

In addition, we are providing our Emotionally Based School Avoidance project. Our aim with this project is to provide support to children and young people at the earliest opportunity where there are issues with school avoidance, based on social and emotional needs. Working in partnership with schools, parents and health professionals to provide support and assistance with the long-term aim of re-engaging the children back into school learning.

Mentor Link would like to hear from men and women who would like to support children and young people in for around an hour each week. Volunteers are welcome from all walks of life for example from local business or the community with an interest in supporting a young person to achieve their full potential. The mentors are specially trained to listen to and support young people and aim to improve their self- esteem and engagement in learning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Does this sound like you?

• Can relate to children and young people
• Are punctual, reliable and can commit to a minimum 6-month period.
• Have excellent listening and communication skills
• Are empathetic, kind and encouraging
• Have patience, flexibility and a willingness to persevere
• Are non-judgemental and open minded.
• A desire to help young people
• Have life experiences to share.

What's in it for you?

• Being part of a great charity
• Making a difference to the next generation
• Free training
• Travel expenses paid
• Meeting like-minded people
• Ongoing support from our dedicated team

If you like a challenge and want to give something back to help, make a difference to the lives of vulnerable young people then we would like to hear from you.

AS THE LOCATION OF THE SCHOOLS WE PROVIDE A SERVICE TO, IT IS PREFERRED THAT APPLICANTS HOLD A CURRENT DRIVING LICENCE AND HAVE ACCESS TO A VEHICLE.

Mentor Link are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks, including 2 satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS certificate.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS NEED

To attend compulsory Induction and Safeguarding Training within the allotted timescale (this will take place on a weekday between 9.00am and 3.45pm/4.00pm) and any other training offered as you feel meets your needs/interests.

WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE TO VOLUNTEERS

Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (child workforce)

Travel Expenses

On going training and support

Role Description/Personal Specification

Purpose of the Mentoring role

To provide one to one mentoring support for children who are facing difficulties; with the aim of creating a more positive attitude towards themselves and their learning. 

Volunteer Mentor - Role description  

1. Meet your mentee on a weekly basis, term time only.
2. Provide a listening ear, support and encouragement to your mentee.
3. Ensure that you are both clear about the boundaries of the mentoring relationship and operate within those boundaries at all times.
4. Ensure that confidentiality is maintained, but that the limits of that confidentiality are understood
5. Take responsibility for developing the mentoring relationship, ensuring that mentoring goals remain the key focus of the mentoring sessions.
6. Seek out any additional information which you think your mentee would find helpful, e.g. information on courses or careers.
7. Be vigilant about potential safeguarding issues and immediately refer any disclosures/concerns to the designated person within Mentor Link and if you work in a school the designated school contact.
8. Communicate any other needs or concerns in a timely and professional manner to Mentor Link staff.
9. Let the charity staff (and if you work in a school the school) know if you cannot attend an appointment in good time or if you foresee any reason why you will be unavailable for a period of time.
10. Attend Compulsory Induction and safeguarding training within the allotted timescale and any other training/networking offered as you feel meets your needs/interests.
11. Follow the Mentor Link policies and procedures when carrying out your role at all times, please contact staff if you are unsure.
12. Ensure that there is a positive ending to the relationship, for the mentee and yourself.

Person Specification

No specific qualifications or work experiences are required for this role, but it is essential that you:

1. Can relate to children and young people
2. Are punctual, reliable and can commit to weekly term time sessions for a minimum 6 month period.
3. Have excellent listening and communication skills
4. Are empathetic, kind and encouraging
5. Have patience, flexibility and a willingness to persevere
6. Are non-judgemental and open minded.
7. Have a mature outlook on life and a desire to help young people.
8. Able to keep information confidential.
9. Ability to follow charity guidelines and policies and procedures.

www.mentorlink.org.uk

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.