Mentor young ; South Devon - Volunteer

Our youth work mentors help to improve life chances for young people between 16-25 year‑old who may have experienced trauma in their childhood, are neurodiverse, have SEND or are care experienced. We provide training and support to help you make the most of your mentoring experience.

Your role will play a vital part in supporting and working with young people in your local community, giving them confidence and courage to embark on their next steps, enhancing independence and empowering them to use their strengths and skills.

All of our mentors are also invited to get involved with other aspects of our charity work from supporting young people with life skills workshops to careers coaching and of course our fun and informative activities which take place throughout the year. Together we build a community which is young‑people centred and we work closely with our youth board, a group of young people whose leadership, vision and co‑designing skills shape the work we do.

At a time when young people face challenge and socio‑economic struggle, you can be the adult who listens, who empowers them and encourages them to take positive steps towards a brighter future.

• You’re a good listener, with an open, inclusive, and non‑judgemental attitude.
• We support a number of young men who often feel more comfortable having male mentors, so we need more men to apply please.
• You enjoy meeting new people and learning new skills, and you’d like to spend some time alongside a young person, helping them to develop and grow.
• You may seek to help others as a result of your own challenges in life, overcoming childhood trauma and adversity, and/or previous or current work you do with young people including as a parent/carer, in education or in the community.
• Own transport, or good access to public transport.
• You'll have experience working with young people in a mentoring capacity or a background working in education or social care.
• You have undergone some safeguarding training previously.

Hybrid

We are looking for dedicated, friendly and enthusiastic volunteer mentors to work with a young person and meet for 1 hour a week for 12 weeks.

The role includes helping the young person to identify and work towards their own personal goals and ambitions, facilitating but encouraging independence and for the young person to take responsibility for their own development and actions taken towards this.

We are based in Newton Abbot and the young people we support are mostly in the Teignbridge, Torbay and Exeter area, with some referrals in other areas of Devon. Mentors are usually assigned young people within their own geographical area but reasonable travel expenses are paid by the charity.