Through our Volunteer Mentoring Programme, we recruit, train, and support adult volunteers to mentor young people (ages 7-25) facing challenges such as difficulties in education and mental well-being.
With our guidance, mentoring pairs meet for 1-2 hours a week, for up to 12 months. Together, they explore shared interests, try new activities, and have fun.
Having a consistent, encouraging role model helps young people feel safe, open up more easily, and build confidence. As a result, our volunteer mentors make a profound impact. A recent report found that over 80% of mentees improved their communication skills, gained confidence and self-esteem, and reconnected with education.
Read on for how to refer a young person for volunteer mentoring
Click the button below to become a volunteer mentor
Why does volunteer mentoring make such a difference?
Young people are quick to see the difference between a volunteer and a professional care worker. They understand that a kind and empathetic adult has made the choice to spend time with them, to focus on their interests and be ready to listen and not judge.
Volunteer mentors are well trained and supported by us, but they can only safely support young people up to a certain level of need or complexity of circumstances. Our volunteer mentoring projects are early help services, and we may have to decline an application to refer if needs are too high – in which case our Professional Mentoring service can be more appropriate.
Read on to find out more about our referral process
Primary mentoring - 7-11 year olds
For children aged 7-11, we offer mentoring across Bath and North East Somerset. Local schools refer students directly to us or through Primary Inclusion Panels. Individual schools support mentoring by offering time within the school day and places to meet.
If you are a professional or family member seeking mentoring for a 7-11 year old in those areas, please speak directly to the relevant primary school.
11-21 year olds (21-25 with SEND diagnosis) referrals
For young people aged 11-21 (21-25 with SEND diagnosis), we offer mentoring across Bath and North East Somerset. Referrals can be made by a professional, parent / carer, or the young person themselves.
This volunteer mentoring service is commissioned by BaNES and therefore there is no cost for young people to access this service. Due to high demand and limited capacity, we operate an application to refer process for this service at regular periods throughout the year and do not holding a waiting list.
We are not currently open for new applications to refer young people aged 11 to 21 (year 7 and above – up to age 25 with a SEN diagnosis) for volunteer mentoring. We aim to open regularly and will be in touch with referrers and families on our mailing list to let them know our next opening date.
Please email if you would like to be added to the referral list and be advised of when we are next open for referrals.
Further questions about referring? Please check out our FAQS or call for more support: 01225 429694