Description:
Havering Young People’s Mentoring Service provides support, advice and guidance to young people aged 10-18, encouraging them to make positive choices and achieve their goals.
Mentors are matched with a young person and meet with them on a weekly basis, for a period of up to 12 months. During this time, a strong relationship is built through a variety of activities and trips, including a monthly group meeting with other volunteers and young people engaged in the Service.
In order to become a mentor, potential volunteers will be required to attend an informal meeting with the Volunteer Co-ordinator, three days of training and a short interview before being accepted onto the programme. Volunteers will need to be over 18 years old and be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check plus provide references.
This role includes:
Attending an initial matching meeting with a young person
Committing to 12 months of mentoring with a young person
Meeting a young person once a week for 2-3 hours
Accompanying a young person to monthly group meetings
Acting in the best interests of a young person
Organisation:
The Early Help Service aims to support families, children and young people with access to the right resources at the right time, promoting safety, sustainability and independence. It operates within Children’s Services for the London Borough of Havering.
When and Where Required:
This opportunity is available across Havering and will take place in the community. The Early Help Service will run some activities from one of our children’s centres in Rainham, Elm Park, Romford, Collier Row and Harold Hill.
Mentors will commit to 12 months with a young person, meeting them weekly for 2-3 hours at a time.
Skills and Qualifications:
Confident and able to communicate well with young people from a range of different backgrounds
Can engage with staff and partners to promote the aims and quality of the Early Help Service, and comply with relevant policies and procedures
Commitment to act in the best interests of young people and comply with jointly-agreed plans
Experience of working with children or young people, in any capacity
Willing to undertake training where necessary
Enthusiasm and commitment towards child development and keeping children safe
Specific Role Requirements:
Age: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old
Disabled Access: Yes – at children’s centres
Equal Opportunities Policy: Yes
Expenses: Yes, for travel and activity costs
Induction: A full induction is provided to enable each volunteer to be trained and prepared for their role
Training: Three days of training to cover safeguarding, safety, communication skills, non-judgmental practice, setting goals and motivating young people, and the role of the mentor
Insurance Cover: Public Liability and Professional Indemnity
Contact Information:
Rachel Tapp (Volunteer Co-ordinator)
St Kilda’s Children’s Centre
90 Eastern Road
Romford
RM1 3QA
01708 432321
07773 588365
Rachel Tapp (Volunteer Co-ordinator), August 2015