Mentors
Thinking of becoming a Mentor?
Our mentors are volunteers who come from a wide range of backgrounds representing the diverse communities throughout Swindon. They all have interest in young people and want to give something back to the local community. All mentors are interviewed by Project staff and police checked to make sure they are suitable for the job. We are mainly concerned about offences that might put young people at risk. Volunteers then complete an intensive training programme to enhance their skills in working with young people and are assessed for suitability over the training period.
After successful completion of training the mentors and young people from our waiting list go out for an evening activity followed by an activity day, which helps to break down barriers. On the basis of how the young people interact with the volunteers, staff match up young people with mentors who they get on with. We look at the interests/skills that they might share and other factors such as gender, ethnic origin, mentor experience and what the young person wants from a mentor.
Mentors on our scheme agree to meet with a young person once a week for a period of 12 months. They receive regular supervision, support and additional training as required by Project staff. All out of pocket expenses are reimbursed. Mentors meet with young people in semi public places within the local community such as clubs and sports centres.