Are you looking for a fulfilling and flexible way to make a real difference in your community? Volunteering with us and mentoring a young person is a brilliant way to do just that.
About volunteer mentoring
A volunteer mentor isn’t there to fix or solve problems, but to simply show up each week with a smile, to listen, chat, and help their mentee take part in activities that interest them and that they’ll enjoy.
For a young person who may be struggling at home, at school, or in their community, having a kind and caring adult by their side each week can transform their confidence, happiness, and wellbeing. Our volunteers often tell us they gain just as much as they give.
If you're kind, open-minded and have 1-2 hours to spare each week in BaNES, we'd love to hear from you!
What does mentoring involve?
Mentoring sessions are led by the young person, and with our activities budget, they can involve anything from a relaxed board game in a local café to a round of adventure golf.
These shared activities take the pressure off, helping young people open up, talk more freely, and build a genuine connection with their mentor.
Curious about what mentoring is really like?
Watch our short video to find out more
What is it like to mentor for the first time?
Mentoring can make a huge difference to a young person, helping them to:
- Feel safe and heard
- Grow in confidence
- See themselves and their future in a new light
- Develop important life skills
Of course, mentoring is not only hugely beneficial for young people, it also makes a considerable impact on our volunteers as well.
🎥 In this short video, you'll hear from Noz, one of our brilliant volunteers, who shares what it's like to be a mentor for the first time.
Get in touch
Get in touch to find out more about what's involved and decide if 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'll equip you with the knowledge and skills to have a positive, safe and rewarding experience.
Next free training: Saturday 24 + 31 October, 10am-4pm, Riverside Youth Hub (next to Morrisons in Bath), BA1 6AE
Have an interview
An informal conversation to check you are ready to be matched
Got a question?
You can check out all of our FAQs in our volunteer mentor pack for or get in touch with our team, who are available Monday-Friday. We can tell you more about volunteer mentoring, so you can decide it's the right role for you.
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 mentor will support them without judgement or agenda, and time with their weekly sessions are a space where they can just be themselves, relax and have fun.
Additional information
Mentoring Plus is committed to maximising inclusion irrespective of age, gender identity, sexuality, 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.
Safer Recruitment procedures will be followed including an enhanced DBS check and employment references taken and verified.
You can view a full roll description and person specification here.
If you need any information in a more accessible format, please contact us and we will do our best to assist.
