Subscribe Donate

Mentoring Volunteers

YAT Programme video Watch our film

Mentoring Volunteers

Get in touch

Already a volunteer?

Log in here to access resources

  • I am amazed by all the time, thought and effort that is being offered to each mentor and mentee. You guys go above and beyond. You are incredible.

    Adam, Mentoring Volunteer

  • I think the mentoring programme is extremely well organised and worthwhile. The support you offer is exceptional and I always feel you’re on the end of a phone if needed. With this being the end of my second year of mentoring, I couldn't speak more highly of the work both Abbie and Becky do. Phenomenal work and dedication to the young people to make sure they have the opportunities to grow and develop, as well as being on hand for any safeguarding concerns. They just do an absolutely incredible job.

    Jack, Mentoring Volunteer

  • The training and support was brilliant. I never felt alone or abandoned. I was made to feel that the Mentoring Managers cared as much about my experience as that of my mentee.

    Joe, Mentoring Volunteer

  • Being a mentor has absolutely changed me, for the better.

    Lisa, Mentoring Volunteer

Mentoring volunteers are carefully matched with a young person and work with them on a one to one basis within their local community. Volunteers usually meet with their young person for approximately 2 hours a fortnight for up to a year, providing them with someone to talk to, and support to help achieve what they would like to get out of it.

For some young people that may help with their confidence, working towards attending an activity or club of their choice, or showing them how to find information, take responsibility for planning and organising themselves. For others it may be helping them to deal with worries, encouraging them to find new approaches, or supporting them as they work out how to tackle a difficulty they are experiencing. For some they may be experiencing a tough time, and need some dedicated time, just for them, to help them see the positives and build their self esteem.

With the guidance of the Mentoring Manager, volunteers help their young person to identify goals and support them to work towards these. Whilst each young person’s aims will be different, all will be experiencing issues and difficulties which can be greatly helped by the support, guidance and encouragement of a mentor. By giving your time, energy and understanding you really will make a difference, and help to shape a more positive future life for a vulnerable young person.

They’re just really supportive, they listen, and have given me a whole different perspective on adults as a whole.

Lucy, age 15

  • Requirements

    Applicants must;

    • Be aged over 21 years old;
    • Undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and register for
      the DBS Update Service
    • Provide two references.

    Our Mentoring Volunteers are role models to the vulnerable young people we work with, and must be responsible, reliable and committed to the mentoring relationship. They should be resilient, good at communicating, enthusiastic and have a desire to help young people.

    Previous experience of working with young people would be beneficial but is not essential.  No formal qualifications are required.

    Individual arrangements may vary, but generally Mentoring Volunteers will need to commit to meeting with a young person on a one to one basis within their local community for approximately 2 hours a fortnight for up to a year.

    The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all volunteers to share this commitment.

  • Training

    Training for our mentoring volunteers, which also forms part of the selection process, is held over a weekend with accommodation and food provided.

    In addition to ongoing training opportunities, access to a range of resources, peer support sessions and online training, mentors also receive dedicated support and regular supervision with the Mentoring Manager.

  • How to Apply

    You’ll find the full role description here with more information and details of how to apply. Alternatively get in touch with our Mentoring Manager for a chat about how you can get involved.