Children First Derby has been awarded vital funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to ensure the continued provision of its highly valued Mentoring Service for the next five years.
The Mentoring Service is one of three bespoke services the charity provides and offers one-to-one mentoring support to children and young people aged between 10 to 18 years in the Derby area.
The service relies on the use of staff and trained volunteers, who provide essential mentoring support and guidance, helping to boost young people’s confidence, reduce isolation, and improve overall mental health and wellbeing. The mentors also help the young people develop strength and resilience needed for success in education and the workplace.
“We are delighted to hear that our funding bid from the National Lottery has proved successful,” said Children First Derby Chair, Fred Jacques. “We rely on public funding and fundraising initiatives to operate our Mentoring and Family Support Services. And our fundraising capacity has been greatly reduced over the last twelve months due to the effects of Covid 19. The decision to award Children First Derby £321,529 to support the running of this vital service, ensures that our Mentoring Service can continue to operate for the next five years, which is fantastic news.”
Operating from its premises in Leopold Street, Derby, Children First Derby is run by a small, dedicated team of staff and over 60 family support, mentoring and fundraising volunteers, providing much-needed support to around 400 vulnerable children and young people every year in the Derby area and beyond.
The charity’s bespoke Mentoring Service is operated by staff and specially trained volunteer mentors who meet with their mentees on a regular basis, acting as a positive role model.
The mentors help to build positive relationships and provide ongoing support. The children and young people are encouraged to participate in new, creative activities that they would otherwise be unable to experience, helping to reduce inequality. This enables them to them to develop new skills, confidently navigate challenges, and build self-esteem and confidence.
Charity founder, Milly Wigley, with the Children First Derby drama group, one of the many groups and activities organised by the Mentoring Service, to help reduce isolation and improve confidence and well-being