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Role Details

See below the details for the role.

Role Detail

Description

What Is A Pupil Referral Unit? Pupils in a pupil referral unit have been permanently or temporarily removed from their mainstream school due to different challenges, often resulting in experiencing one or more of the following; low self esteem, low attainment levels, friendship breakdown, feeling misunderstood and lacking in purpose, direction and motivation. In addition, they are often experiencing/experienced family breakdown, peer pressure, rebellious behaviour, family issues and concerns or bulling. Beneath all of this is a young person who needs someone who can put them first, who deserves to not only know but believe that despite the challenges they face, they can overcome and achieve. This is where mentoring can help What You'll Do? As mentor to a young person between the ages of 11-16, you will meet together on a weekly basis at your mentees school, encouraging and motivating your mentee to make steps towards positive change, being understanding to the range of behavioural, emotional and learning difficulties your mentee may have, you will be patient and committed, putting the needs of your mentee first, working together to identify goals that matter to them and together creating strategies and steps towards achieving such goals. Young people in pupil referral units often face increased barriers to success and support. As a mentor, you will be trained in positive psychology and coaching style techniques by Unfold and you will inspire your mentor to see challenges as opportunity, broadening their horizons as to what they can achieve. We're Looking For? You will need to be open minded, a good listener, patient and relatable., who welcomes supporting young people with a wide range of abilities from a range of diversities. About Unfold Main business: : Charities, NGOs and international development Who are Unfold? Delivered by amazing volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and a range of life experiences, Unfold offer mentoring programmes for lasting change, to empower communities in Westminster and the surrounding boroughs to get them to where they want to be. Our Womens Support Groups add to this, providing a stimulating, safe, fun and informal space. Unfold Aims In order to support in getting people to where they want to be, Unfold delivery is based on 3 clear aims: Confidence: Based in positive psychology, our mentoring supports the development of a growth mindset to boost confidence and well-being. Independence: Our mentees develop skills in setting goals, building lasting independence. Connectedness: We aim to connect people to one more group, service or activity which meets their needs, to build lasting connections. Your Impact By becoming a mentor with Unfold, you will be contributing to supporting those who often face exclusion, this is because, although we are open to everyone, 85% of the families we support are single headed households led by a woman, 93% of our service users are from racialised groups, 60% of our referrals come from other supporting services and in the last 18 months, we expanded and adapted our services to support Afghan evacuees and asylum seekers.

Support you will receive

Activities you will be doing
What skills are required for this role

Why these skills are required

You will need to be open minded, a good listener, patient and relatable., who welcomes supporting young people with a wide range of abilities from a range of diversities.

What is in it for you

- A rewarding opportunity to make a life-changing contribution - Professional development opportunities – developing essential skills transferable to the workplace, including empathic leadership, active listening and coaching-style approaches - Get to know your community better - Become part of a friendly and welcoming network of volunteers

Time Commitment

12 - 24 weekly sessions of around an hour, over three to six months

Application Process
Role Type
Suitable For
18 and over
We Welcome
There is no one size fits all, your individuality is what makes you unique, we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds ages 18+ with life experience, who will be committed to help others on their journey to Unfold their full potential. People of colour, women aged 50+ and male mentors are always in high demand! We asked our Youth Advisory Council what qualities they felt a mentor should have, and we couldn't agree more… • Open-minded: as a mentor you need to be mindful about what your mentee is feeling so they don’t feel like they’re being directed, or that the session is about you • Good listener: asking good questions, and being genuinely interested, so your mentee feels more welcome and cared for • Patient: having a mentor can feel strict at first, and mentees might need some time before getting into the flow of the sessions • Relatable: understanding your mentee’s interests or experiences and being able to share your experience with them.
Location
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