Volunteer Mentor - WAY
WAY is Swindon’s new young person initiative that creates opportunities for young people to take ownership over their own journey. One of the ways we do this is matching young people to a trusted adult and role model through the WAY Mentors project.
We are passionate about journeying alongside young people (11-25) towards a brighter and more hopeful future. Can you provide a listening ear, and be a consistent voice of encouragement? Then this role is for you.
Volunteer mentors are matched to a young person between the ages of 11-25. Meeting weekly within the community, mentors provide support with practical skills and social emotional development. We tailor the match to each young person so that they are supported by a volunteer mentor best suited to them based on interest, lived experience and/or professional aspirations.
You will be provided with ongoing support and training, with clear lines of communication with a mentoring coordinator. One hour a week has the potential to change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Get in touch to find out more. Sam.lloyd@wayuk.org
Role: | Volunteer Mentor |
Project: | WAY Mentors |
Project Description: | Mentoring young people aged 11-25 who face disadvantage. |
Orginisation: | Gateway Church Swindon |
Time Commitment: | Ongoing mentoring: 1 to 2 hours a week meeting mentee with ad hoc administration (emails and paperwork). Initial training: 2x 3-hour training sessions. |
Reports to: | Project Director |
Purpose: | Providing one-to-one mentoring for a young person facing disadvantage, supporting them with both practical skills and social emotional development. |
Key tasks: | · Meeting with a young person, usually for an hour a week, in a café, park or doing an activity together. · Providing additional ongoing contact and encouragement when needed, such as calling or texting. · Supporting with practical tasks which may include but will not be limited to creating a daily routine; identifying future goals; and helping build work-ready skills. · Offering wellbeing support which may include but will not be limited to active listening; building confidence and self-esteem; helping to overcome fears such as talking over the phone and public transport; developing skills such as conflict resolution and communication; encouraging them to pursue interests and get involved in community groups. · Helping the young person access other support services if needed such as colleges, CAMHS, the job centre etc. · Following good practice in mentoring, as covered in the initial training and WAY’s risk management policy. · Complete paperwork including safeguarding logs, evaluations with the young person, and updates on their progress and wellbeing. · Reporting and recording any areas of concern as soon as possible. |
Expectations: | · Attend and participate in Mentor Training and Safeguarding Training. · Undergo an Enhanced DBS Disclosure for Child and Adult Workforce, with a Child Barred List check – this is necessary as mentoring is unsupervised work and may take place with young people under the age of 18. · Be present at quarterly mentor Connect sessions. · Completing relevant paperwork on time, including safeguarding logs and evaluation forms. · Contact WAY if you have any questions or concerns about a young person or if mentoring is unable to take place for three weeks either due to my own personal situation, or my mentees situation. |
Requirements: | · Good communication skills · Active listening skills · Flexibility · Reliable · Non-judgmental · Friendly · Some experience in supporting young people · Resourceful – able to find information / access services |