Become a Volunteer Mentor
Are you seeking a fulfilling and flexible way to make a difference in your community? Join us as a Volunteer Mentor and transform the lives of young people in Bath & North East Somerset.
We train and support volunteer mentors and match them with a young person aged 7-25 years old who needs a positive role model - someone who will take them out each week, encourage them to explore their interests and try new activities and have lots of fun with them.
For a child or young person struggling at home, school or in their community, spending time with a kind and caring adult each week can make a huge difference to their happiness and wellbeing.
If you’re kind, empathetic and have 1-2 hours to spare each week we would love to hear from you!
Safer Recruitment procedures will be followed for volunteer mentors including an enhanced DBS check and employer's references taken and verified.
Mentoring Plus is committed to maximising inclusion irrespective of age, gender identity, heritage, ethnicity, background, life experiences, disabilities, learning difficulties, lifestyle, beliefs etc, provided that individuals are able to meet the requirements of the role with appropriate support.
We operate a strict equal opportunities policy for both adults and young people. Our central Bath premises have parking and are wheelchair accessible.
Volunteer mentoring - what's involved?
Mentoring sessions are positive, playful and child-led. With our activities budget, they can involve anything from board games, to music and sports.
Volunteer mentoring is rewarding, great fun, and can be life-changing for both mentees and mentors.
Watch our short video to find out more
Want to find out more or get involved?
Download our Volunteer Mentor Pack for everything you need to know about volunteering with us, including how we will train and support you, and the impact you will make in just 1-2 hours a week.
Get in touch - our team would love to hear from you.
Get in touch
Get in touch to find out more about what's involved and decide if Volunteer Mentoring is right for you
Tel: 01225 429694
Email us at volunteering@mentoringplus.net
Apply
Using our application form, tell us about yourself and provide the info we need for background checks. We'll also ask you to apply for a DBS.
Attend training
Complete a 1-2-day training course - we run interactive, fun training sessions three times a year.
Our next round of training takes place on Saturday 18 and 25 January 2025
Have an interview
An informal conversation to check you are ready to be matched
Got a question?
You can check out our FAQs and Volunteer Mentor Pack for more information or get in touch with our team, who are available Monday-Friday to tell you more about the Volunteer Mentor role.
Why do young people need Volunteer Mentors?
Life for young people today can be incredibly challenging. Poor mental health, low self-esteem, anxiety, and loneliness are just some of the issues the young people we support are struggling with.
However, when you begin your journey with your mentee, all you'll know are the things that truly matter - their interests and the hopes they hold for the time they'll spend with you. You'll be a positive role model in their lives, making a difference one step at a time
How are mentees referred to Mentoring Plus?
Our mentees are usually referred by their school or family. Once they come to us, we work closely with them to ensure they genuinely want to be mentored and understand what’s involved. We spend a few weeks getting to know them, exploring what their hopes are for mentoring, where they need support and what their interests are.
Why does Mentoring Plus need Volunteer Mentors?
What makes Volunteer Mentoring so successful and special, is that both mentor and mentee have chosen to be there. Our mentees know their Volunteer Mentor will support them without judgement or agenda, and time with their Volunteer Mentor is time when they can just be themselves, relax and have fun.
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed spending an hour of my week, having fun, chatting and being with a young person who was a delight to spend time with.
Positive
I enjoy helping them to think differently about things, share positivity and help encourage them to gain wider experiences. It’s good to be able to make a difference to someone’s life.
Rewarding
I have learnt a lot from my mentee. It’s challenging and rewarding in equal measure. It’s particularly rewarding to have those moments of connection, eye contact, a smile!
Insightful
I've learned about IT and the minefield of social media. I've learned how to talk confidently about mental health. I've learned to be authentic and connect better at home and at work.
Educational
I've learned a lot, like how learning difficulties really impact daily challenges. Staying within the boundaries as a mentor also helps my other relationships.
Useful
As well as making a difference for a young person, my coaching skills are benefiting from insights gained. Support and supervision from Mentoring Plus is also beneficial professionally.
