intandem mentoring
intandem is a Scotland’s national mentoring programme, offering mentoring on a regular basis to children and young people involved in the care system, specifically those living at home (under a compulsory supervision order) or with extended family (kinship care).
Children and young people become involved with the care system when parents struggle to navigate tough times. This could be chronic illness, mental health problems or a death in the family – all things that can make it harder to give children the best care and support
intandem is funded by the Scottish Government and The Robertson Trust, and is managed by Inspiring Scotland.
intandem works alongside 11 partner charities across to train and match volunteer mentors with children and young people. Move On is proud to be the partner charity delivering intandem in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
"It boosts my confidence by having someone to talk to."
A young person with an intandem mentorOur mentors
Our mentors are the reason we’re able to make a real difference in the lives of young people. By committing to a long-term placement, volunteers give their mentee a positive, trusted and consistent role model.
We ask that all volunteers commit to at least a year of mentoring.
We’re looking for volunteers who are good listeners, open-minded and resilient. This type of volunteering is not for everyone – you must be willing to really commit time and energy. But this approach also offers huge rewards because when we get relationships right, it makes a difference everyone’s lives.
All our volunteers are carefully selected, screened and trained before being matched with a child or young person.
After training, you’ll meet weekly with your young person to listen and to encourage them to explore their goals and community through different activities.
All mentors will also receive ongoing support and training from a dedicated member of our staff.
An intandem mentor shares her experience
Catrine shares her experience of supporting her young person to “go out to different places, try new activities… doing things that he maybe wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to do.”
Catrine has found the experience “extremely rewarding… to see how the young person has progressed over the years… watching them grow and gain confidence in themselves”.
Volunteering has also been really beneficial for her own confidence, with Catrine adding “I’ve grown a lot as a person, I’ve met a lot of brilliant people and I feel fully supported by everyone at Move On.”
Become an intandem mentor
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer as an intandem mentor, please get in touch with Abby on abby@moveon.org.uk, 07787256834 or 0131 558 3740.