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This service supports children in London aged 5 – 18 who have been through difficult or traumatic experiences. As a mentor you will develop a friendship lasting at least two years with a child or young person we match you with. Specifically, you will: * Pick up and drop off mentee before/after outings * Provide non-judgemental support to mentee * Attend regular (weekly initially for six months/then monthly) supervision (phone) * Attend reviews with mentee/caseworker * Complete expenses *Undertake and enhanced DBS check and provides referee details *Abide by all of our policies *Attend the training weekend
Whilst Friendship Works welcomes and encourages mentors from all walks of life, there are some minimum requirements. All volunteer mentors must: • be in a settled period of life • be 21 or over (over 25 for care experienced route) • live in or around London, to make travelling once a week a realistic commitment • not have caring responsibilities for a child under 14 • be able to make time three out of four weekends a month to meet with the young person they support (or three times a month with flexible meeting times for care experienced young adults) * There are no formal qualifications needed to become a volunteer mentor, but we look for some key personal qualities. Emotional maturity; commitment; relationships and approach to youth mentoring
Volunteer mentors have the opportunity to build a friendship and connect with a young person/care experienced young adult in their community who needs more support. They are able to get more involved in their communities as a result. Existing mentors find it rewarding to see the world through the eyes of a young person/care experienced young adult. Many have developed new interests as a result of their friendship. Experienced mentors tell us that in addition to being lots of fun, volunteering with Friendship Works has helped them develop skills such as: • communication • active listening • increased empathy • planning • change/expectation management
Three hours, three times a month on a weekend day for two years. Or flexible meetings times three times a month for care experienced young adults
