What : The Mentor Project is based in North Tyneside and was initially developed in 1997, to give young people in care in the that borough a consistent person to whom they could go for extra support.

Volunteer role: Mentor/Independent Visitor/Advocate

Mentoring is a one-to-one non-judgemental relationship in which an individual voluntarily gives up time to support the growth and development of a vulnerable young person within the North Tyneside area. The volunteer mentor will build up a relationship with the young person and facilitate mentoring sessions with them. Mentors meet up with the young person once a week and maintains accurate and up to date records on the mentoring meetings where they provide support for the young person from someone who is not a family member or friend. Mentors will plan mentoring sessions with the young person they are supporting. Ideally mentors should have the ability to work under pressure and under their own initiative with young people and be sensitive to the needs of the young person.

Training
Volunteers achieve level 2 in mentoring Skills accredited by the Open College Network. On going training opportunities are offered throughout the volunteers involvement with the Mentor Project. Volunteers who wish to become advocates attend a further 3 session advocacy training course. All training is free. Volunteers receive regular and on going one to one supervision and support.

Knowledge
Volunteers gain knowledge of the Youth Offending Service, the looked after system, young people’s issues and rights, equal opportunities, how to challenge behaviour, health and safety and child protection.

Experience
Volunteers gain experience of working with children and young people. Some volunteers attend statutory meetings and court.

Skills
Volunteers gain and/or develop many skills such as communication skills, planning and time management skills.

Interested? Contact us.