Volunteer Mentor for Children and Young People (Face to Face)

What will you be doing?

BrightPaths Support CIC, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving children's and young people's lives, is seeking caring individuals to join us as Face-to-Face Volunteer Mentors for our outreach services. As a Volunteer Mentor, you'll have the rewarding opportunity to directly engage with children and young people who need early emotional support. Your role will be crucial in creating a supportive environment where they can freely express themselves, discuss challenges, and develop the tools required to thrive. In this position, you'll be a source of encouragement and guidance, actively listening to their concerns and providing constructive assistance. Working closely with them, you'll help them set personal goals and provide the encouragement they need to achieve their aspirations. Beyond offering support, you'll cultivate a safe and empathetic space where trust and respect thrive, empowering your mentees to feel valued, secure, and supported throughout their journey. This role offers an exciting opportunity for personal growth and creativity. As a smaller organisation, we value volunteer input and appreciate your contributions in shaping our projects. Volunteering as a Mentor for BrightPaths, you'll directly impact the lives of children and young people, equipping them with the tools and support they need to thrive.  We invite you to join our team and help us create a brighter future for the next generation. This role could include: - Working one-on-one or in small groups of mentees on an outreach basis- Encouraging mentees to identify and evaluate their challenges and set SMART targets to overcome them- Applying a person-centered approach, working with participants individually across several sessions- Motivating participants with constructive feedback and positive affirmations- Demonstrating useful self-help, emotional, and behavioural regulation techniques- Providing personalised one-on-one support and assisting participants in achieving their wellbeing goals- Creating a safe and supportive environment to foster positive outcomes- Appropriately signposting to local activities and resources Please note that this role involves outreach work and providing support within school environments. While working with primary and secondary-age children, we will match mentors according to location, age, and specific needs.

What are we looking for?

The ideal candidate for this role will have experience or qualifications in working with children and young people gained through previous mentoring or coaching roles, teaching, teaching assistant positions, counselling, ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), or other relevant areas. This background will equip you with the ability to connect with mentees, understand their needs, and provide effective guidance and support. This position would also suit someone seeking further experience in counselling, assistant psychology, or social work roles. A solid understanding of safeguarding is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of the children and young people we work with. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of safeguarding practices, policies, and procedures and be able to implement them effectively in their interactions with mentees. Additional qualifications and attributes include: - Experience working with children, including those with special educational needs and neurodiversity.- Strong interpersonal skills, capable of providing positive encouragement and support.- Excellent listening skills, with the ability to understand and empathise with young individuals.- Non-judgmental approach and ability to create a safe and inclusive environment.- Ability to work both one-on-one and in small groups with children.- Honest, open, and respectful of boundaries.- Patient and able to allow structured silence when necessary.- Committed, self-motivated, and passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.

What difference will you make?

As a Volunteer Mentor, you have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children and teens. By providing a supportive and compassionate ear, you can empower them with coping skills, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. Your dedication and passion will make a lasting impact on those who need support the most. Many children are unable to access support from other mental health services or face long waiting times for assessment and support. As a Mentor, you can help bridge the gaps in provision and ensure that children receive the timely and meaningful support they deserve. Your commitment as a Volunteer Mentor will create a safe space for young individuals to express themselves, receive guidance, and develop the necessary skills for their well-being. By offering a supportive and understanding environment, you will play a vital role in their journey towards positive mental health and resilience.