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We are looking for a relatable, practical, and empathetic Volunteer Youth Mentor to support, guide, and inspire young people aged 13 to 18. In this role, you will build positive, trusting relationships with teens from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate personal challenges, develop essential life skills, and make positive life choices.

You do not need a university degree to volunteer with us—we prioritize lived experience, practical skills, emotional intelligence, and a genuine ability to connect with young people. However, a strong working knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and confidentiality protocols is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

Key Responsibilities

 Mentorship & Positive Role Modeling: Build strong, constructive, and trusting relationships with young people aged 13–18 through regular 1-to-1 or small group mentoring sessions.

 Personal Development & Life Skills: Help mentees build self-esteem, resilience, emotional regulation, and practical life skills (e.g., revision habits, CV tips, exploring post-16 pathways).

 Safeguarding & Child Protection: Adhere strictly to UK safeguarding frameworks and organizational child protection policies. Recognize potential signs of harm, abuse, or exploitation, and report concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

 Confidentiality & Information Sharing: Maintain confidentiality in accordance with GDPR, while clearly understanding the mandatory exceptions when a young person’s safety or well-being is at risk.

 Activity & Session Support: Assist in running engaging, youth-led activities, workshops, or practical discussion groups.

 Logging & Updates: Maintain concise, accurate session notes and keep your volunteer supervisor informed of progress or changes in a mentee’s situation.

Requirements & Essential Criteria

 Experience: Practical experience working, volunteering, or engaging with young people aged 13–18 (e.g., youth clubs, sports coaching, community groups, or mentoring).

 Safeguarding Knowledge: A clear understanding of basic UK safeguarding principles, child protection processes, and duty of care.

 Confidentiality: Understanding of how to maintain participant privacy and when information must be escalated for safety reasons.

 Key Qualities: Active listening skills, patience, reliable attendance, a non-judgmental attitude, and the ability to build rapport with teenagers.

 Clearances: An enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is required (arranged and paid for by the organization).

 Education: No degree required.

Desirable Criteria

 Prior training or certification in Safeguarding / Child Protection.

 Experience supporting young people facing low confidence, school challenges, or social anxiety.

What We Offer Volunteers

 Full induction and role-specific training (including updated Safeguarding & Child Protection training).

 Out-of-pocket travel and reasonable expense reimbursement.

 Regular 1-to-1 supervision, ongoing support, and peer networking.

 A formal reference upon successful completion of the agreed volunteering period.