Make a difference. Volunteer as a mentor for a child or young person.
Children and young people have been sharing their thoughts on what it means having an adult mentor who helps them talk things through and is a reassuring presence in their lives.
It's someone to speak to outside the home.
Mentoring helped me have time to tell someone how I been doing.
It gives me a nice couple of minutes to wind down.
Children and young people have been sharing their thoughts on what it means having an adult mentor who helps them talk things through and is a reassuring presence in their lives.
Wiltshire Council is sharing the feedback as part of a new drive to recruit more mentors to be a listening ear and support for children and young people. A variety of volunteering roles are available and people are asked to consider sparing some time to be a force for good in a child or young person's life.
Mentors are aged 18 years and over and are given support and training for this voluntary role. They are matched with a child or young person. To take on the role mentors need to have empathy, patience, be non-judgemental and supportive.
There are different types of mentoring opportunities including:
- Weekly one to one support to primary school aged children
- Weekly one to one support for children moving from primary to secondary school
- Weekly or fortnightly support for young people involved in the youth justice service
- Fortnightly/monthly support in the community for young people leaving care, helping them step into adulthood and achieve their goals.
One mentor explained: I enjoy seeing the children thrive and develop over time, seeing their independence and confidence increase puts a smile on my face.
Another mentor said: I rate the support and match nine out of 10. I am more confident with these children after my first year of volunteering. I enjoy it and it's great fun, the children like having a role model.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: Our mentors have such a positive impact on children and young people who may be struggling or finding life difficult for many reasons. They are that listening ear, that gentle support and reassuring presence that can help them thrive and have confidence. We value the dedication and commitment of our mentors, and we provide that ongoing support and training so you're not alone in doing something which can make such a difference.
To find out more about mentoring and the different types - www.wiltshire.gov.uk/children-young-people-voice-volunteering or email communityinvolvementteam@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).