At a Glance
- Tasks: Mentor young people, helping them achieve goals and improve life skills.
- Company: Supportive organisation dedicated to empowering vulnerable youth.
- Benefits: Training provided, expenses paid, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy ongoing training and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enhancing your CV.
- Qualifications: Good listeners with a non-judgemental attitude; mentoring experience preferred.
Our youth work mentors help improve life chances for young people between 16‑25 years who may have experienced trauma in childhood, are neurodiverse, have SEND or are care experienced. We provide training and support to help you make the most of your mentoring experience.
We meet with young people face to face in the community, such as a favourite café or park. You’ll help them reach their goals, whether that’s applying for college or jobs, getting life skills like driving licences and bank accounts, or finding ways to feel happier, less anxious or more in control.
Types of young people we work with:
- Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)
- Care leavers
- SEN and Neurodiversity
Research shows that being NEET can negatively impact lifelong employability, earnings and health. We support young people to access education, training providers and employability skills. Being placed in care and the circumstances leading up to this can have a significant impact on a young person. We offer skilled support and guidance to care‑experienced young people. Many of the young people we work with are neurodiverse and have additional learning needs, making school challenging. We offer a safe service that allows them to explore their needs and set goals appropriate to them.
“I didn’t realise that just moving town would make a massive difference to my whole life. Without the support of my mentor, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply for jobs, build a relationship with my PA and reach out to old friends”. – M, 20
Who we’re looking for:
- Good listeners with an open, inclusive, and non‑judgemental attitude.
- Men are encouraged to apply, as we support many young men who feel more comfortable with a male mentor.
- Enjoy meeting new people, learning new skills, and spending time alongside a young person to help them develop and grow.
- May have personal experience of overcoming childhood trauma and adversity, and/or previous or current work with young people (parent/carer, education or community).
- Ideally have your own transport or good access to public transport.
- Experience working with young people in a mentoring capacity is desirable.
- Background working in education or social care is desirable.
- Have undergone safeguarding training.
What you’ll be doing:
- Mentors will be assigned a young person and meet for one hour a week for 12 weeks.
- We are based in Newton Abbot and support young people mainly in the Teignbridge, Torbay and Exeter areas, with some referrals in other parts of Devon.
Recruitment details:
- Up to 2 days for initial induction and training
- Two hours a week (one hour directly mentoring) for at least 12 weeks
- Approximately four optional activities a year
Benefits:
- Join a supportive team, all with the same goal to support vulnerable young people.
- Training provided, including NSPCC safeguarding and Mental Health First Aid Course.
- Ongoing calendar of training.
- One‑to‑one supervision throughout your mentoring journey.
- Expenses paid.
- Enhance your CV and develop personal and professional skills and experience.
- Chance to make a difference and feel really valued.
Mentor for Young People in South Devon - Volunteer employer: Life Chance Trust
As a volunteer mentor for young people in South Devon, you will join a compassionate and dedicated team focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals. With comprehensive training and ongoing support, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while helping young people navigate challenges and achieve their goals in a welcoming and inclusive environment. This role not only allows you to contribute positively to your community but also offers personal growth and the chance to build lasting connections with those you mentor.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mentor for Young People in South Devon - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research our mission and values so you can show us how your personal experiences align with what we do. This will help you stand out during any informal chats or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current mentors or volunteers through social media or local events. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your story! We love hearing about personal journeys, especially if you've overcome challenges. It shows resilience and can inspire the young people you'll be mentoring.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our training opportunities there.
We think you need these skills to ace Mentor for Young People in South Devon - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what motivates you to mentor young people.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for in a mentor. Highlight any relevant experience you have working with young people or overcoming challenges, as this will show us you understand their needs.
Show Your Passion:Express why you’re passionate about supporting young people, especially those who may have faced adversity. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for making a difference in their lives!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your mentoring journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Life Chance Trust
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, think about how you can make a difference in the lives of young people. Reflect on your own experiences and how they relate to the role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported others or overcome challenges.
✨Show Your Listening Skills
As a mentor, being a good listener is crucial. During the interview, demonstrate your active listening skills by engaging with the interviewer’s questions. Nod, maintain eye contact, and ask follow-up questions to show that you’re genuinely interested in understanding their needs.
✨Emphasise Your Inclusivity
The role requires an open and non-judgemental attitude. Prepare to discuss how you create inclusive environments for young people, especially those who are neurodiverse or have experienced trauma. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your ability to connect with diverse individuals.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Training and Support
Familiarise yourself with the training and support offered by the organisation. Be prepared to discuss how you would utilise this training to enhance your mentoring skills. Showing that you’re eager to learn and grow will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
