We’re looking for volunteers across Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot to be mentors for our SYMF project. Symud Ymlaen/Moving Forward is an exciting project that will provide employment opportunities to vulnerable young people throughout Wales. This innovative project will specifically target and assist care leavers and young people known to the youth offending system who are between 16-19 years of age.
The time commitment will vary from one young person to the next, and levels of support may vary. Mentoring support could range between 3 – 4 hours per week per young person supported (approximately 88 Hours over 6 months).
Volunteer Mentor Activities & Tasks:
- Helping the participant develop employability skills such as communication, problem solving and social skills.
- Discussing career aspirations and plans to realise goals.
- Providing an insight into the careers of people in your business and routes into your profession.
- Meet your mentee on a weekly basis and actively develop a supportive professional relationship with them.
- Maintain records appropriately and make it available when required in line with funding protocols.
- Provide ad hoc support for example attending out of work meetings.
- Provide advice on completing application forms, covering letters and helping to prepare for interviews.
- Provide guidance to the participant on how they can best use their relationship with you.
- Make the necessary practical arrangements for meeting the participant including the identification and negotiation of protected time to devote to the mentoring process.
- Attend and participate in review sessions, transition and exit meetings with CBSA staff and the participant.
- Follow the relevant policies and procedures as laid down by the project in the delivery of the role.
- Assist the participant to celebrate their achievements.
Volunteer Mentor Role Requirements:
- You do not need to have any formal qualifications for the role. We welcome individuals who are committed, enthusiastic and genuinely want to help a person who is not in employment get back on their feet.
- You should also be a very good listener and be able to relate to individuals without prejudice or judgement.
- Understand the need to follow organisational policy and procedure at all times and able to comply with policies relating to safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection (and any others that relate directly to your volunteering role).
- You will be committed to ensuring equality and diversity, maintaining project values and above all supporting the development of individuals accessing the project.
- A DBS check will be required and provided by CBSA
Anyone interested in being a mentor should contact Felicity Wilkins on 07772 379416 or email fwilikns@cbsa.org.uk
