Mentoring and befriending
Mentoring
We match volunteer mentors to vulnerable young people aged 14-25 to support them to achieve goals and reach their full potential.
Mentors and young people meet once a week to work together as a pair towards a goal of the young person’s choice. Young people often choose recreation or leisure goals, such as learning to play guitar, boxing lessons or taking a cookery class.
The role of a mentor is to provide a supportive relationship to help connect the young person with social, cultural and leisure opportunities, then support them to build their confidence, skills, potential and positive social networks.
Please see our mentoring page for more information.
We also work with Inspiring Scotland to offer intandem mentoring. This is for 8-14 year olds who are looked after at home, located in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Befriending
We match volunteer befrienders with young people aged 16-25 who are making the transition from living in supported accommodation to managing their own tenancy and living independently.
Befrienders and young people meet once a week to take part in activities (for example, meet in a cafe for hot chocolate, visit an art gallery, etc.).
The emotional and social support a volunteer befriender provides can help a young person feel more comfortable and confident during what can be a difficult transition from supported accommodation to a private tenancy.
Please see our befriending page for more information.
