Mentors

The Council recruits, trains and supports volunteers to work as mentors for young people in care.

If you are reliable, energetic and can spare two hours per week for one year, then you could put something back into your community by becoming a volunteer mentor.

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What is a mentor?

A mentor is an adult volunteer who spends time listening to, talking to and motivating a young person.

A mentor helps the young person in setting goals, which increases their confidence and helps them reach their potential.

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Who can be a mentor?

Volunteers come from all walks of life and no specific educational qualifications are required. Usually volunteers are over 21.

You need to:

1. have time, enthusiasm and demonstrate willingness to fulfil the volunteer commitment
2. be able to relate to young people.
3. show commitment to young people in care
4. have the ability to accept people as they are
5. be open to learning and show commitment to self-development. 
6. be open and willing to look at yourself, and share your thoughts about prejudices and personal shortcoming
7. have the ability and commitment to be non-judgemental
8. provide two satisfactory references and comply with police check requirements.

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What's involved in being a mentor?

Time commitment
We will expect you to spend a minimum of two hours per week with your mentee. We'd like you to commit yourself for at least one year.

Expenses
You won't get paid, but we do pay your travel and some expenses. Some employers allow their employees to carry out voluntary work as part of their working day.

Training
You will need to attend 30 hours of training before you are matched with your mentee.

How to become a mentor

To discuss making an application, contact us using the details below. We'll send you an application pack (or you can download the form below).

We'll also ask you to give us the contact details of two referees. Your application will be subject to police clearance, a child protection check and a department of health check.  

If you have a past conviction you can discuss this with us in the strictest confidence, as it may still be possible for you to participate.