At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower young people aged 16-25 to achieve their personal goals.
- Company: Community-focused charity dedicated to improving life chances for young people.
- Benefits: Gain valuable mentoring experience, training, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with travel expenses covered.
- Why this job: Be a positive influence in a young person's life and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Good listening skills, open attitude, and experience with young people.
Our youth work mentors help to improve life chances for young people between 16-25 years old who may have experienced trauma in their childhood, are neurodiverse, have SEND or are care experienced. We provide training and support to help you make the most of your mentoring experience.
Your role will play a vital part in supporting and working with young people in your local community, giving them confidence and courage to embark on their next steps, enhancing independence and empowering them to use their strengths and skills.
All of our mentors are also invited to get involved with other aspects of our charity work from supporting young people with life skills workshops to careers coaching and of course our fun and informative activities which take place throughout the year. Together we build a community which is young-people centred and we work closely with our youth board, a group of young people whose leadership, vision and co-designing skills shape the work we do.
At a time when young people face challenge and socio-economic struggle, you can be the adult who listens, who empowers them and encourages them to take positive steps towards a brighter future.
What are we looking for?
- You’re a good listener, with an open, inclusive, and non-judgemental attitude.
- We support a number of young men who often feel more comfortable having male mentors, so we need more men to apply please.
- You enjoy meeting new people and learning new skills, and you’d like to spend some time alongside a young person, helping them to develop and grow.
- You may seek to help others as a result of your own challenges in life, overcoming childhood trauma and adversity, and/or previous or current work you do with young people including as a parent/carer, in education or in the community.
- Own transport, or good access to public transport.
- You'll have experience working with young people in a mentoring capacity or a background working in education or social care.
- You have undergone some safeguarding training previously.
What will you be doing?
We are looking for dedicated, friendly and enthusiastic volunteer mentors to work with a young person and meet for 1 hour a week for 12 weeks. The role includes helping the young person to identify and work towards their own personal goals and ambitions, facilitating but encouraging independence and for the young person to take responsibility for their own development and actions taken towards this.
We are based in Newton Abbot and the young people we support are mostly in the Teignbridge, Torbay and Exeter area, with some referrals in other areas of Devon. Mentors are usually assigned young people within their own geographical area but reasonable travel expenses are paid by the charity.
Mentor for young people (South Devon) - Volunteer employer: Life Chance Trust
As a volunteer mentor with our charity in South Devon, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to empowering young people aged 16-25 who face various challenges. We offer comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring that you have the tools to make a meaningful impact while also providing opportunities to engage in diverse activities that enrich both your experience and the lives of those you mentor. Join us in creating a brighter future for our youth, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mentor for young people (South Devon) - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you step into that mentoring role, take some time to understand the charity's mission and values. This will not only help you connect better with the young people but also show your genuine interest during any informal chats or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current mentors or volunteers through social media or community events. They can share their experiences and tips, plus it’s a great way to get your name out there and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! When meeting potential mentees, let your personality shine through. Young people appreciate authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your own journey and how it shapes your approach to mentoring.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get started on your mentoring journey. Plus, we’ll keep you updated on training sessions and community events that can enhance your experience and skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Mentor for young people (South Devon) - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're 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.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any experience you have working with young people, whether it’s through mentoring, education, or social care. We’re looking for those who can relate to our young people, so share your stories!
Show Your Passion:Express why you’re passionate about supporting young people and how you can make a difference in their lives. We love seeing enthusiasm, so let us know what drives you to apply for this role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
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 can relate to the challenges faced by the youth you'll be mentoring. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported others in the past.
✨Show Your Listening Skills
During the interview, demonstrate your active listening skills. When asked questions, take a moment to really consider what’s being said before responding. This shows that you value communication and are genuinely interested in understanding the needs of the young people you'll be working with.
✨Emphasise Your Inclusivity
Make sure to highlight your open and non-judgemental attitude. Share instances where you've successfully worked with diverse groups or individuals who have faced adversity. This will reassure the interviewers that you can create a safe space for the young people you’ll mentor.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Commitment
Since this role requires a commitment of one hour a week for 12 weeks, be prepared to discuss your availability and dedication. Show enthusiasm for the role and express your willingness to engage in additional activities, like workshops or community events, to further support the young people.
