Services Mentoring Mentoring Service Mentoring Service What We Do All children and young people need the support of caring role models to grow into confident successful adults. Growing up isn‘t easy and there are many roadblocks along the way. Children First Derby Mentoring Service aims to match young people with caring mentors who can provide new experiences, guidance and support. The support offered provides effective help with managing challenges as well as building self confidence. Our trained volunteers offer one-to-one support, usually through activities which are agreed upon with the young person. We have found our mix of mentoring and activities allows young people to develop new skills and make positive community connections. Our Mentors All our mentors are volunteers. They are passionate about supporting children and young people. the support offered provides effective help with managing challenges as well as gaining self confidence. Our mentors go through a robust selection process. They are police checked and attend a detailed training programme. They will support the young person for a few hours a fortnight, encouraging them in their studies, introducing them to new activities and inspiring them to think about their future goals and dreams. How to access our Mentoring Service We accept referrals from organisations supporting children and young people aged 10 – 16 years, who need early intervention help. We support young people who are: Experiencing issues relating to low self-esteem & confidence Disengaged, excluded or at risk of exclusion from education Experiencing family breakdown Involved in anti-social behaviour Referral criteria: Aged 10 -16 and living in the Derby city area Child/young person and parent/guardian are aware the referral is being made and in agreement. Child/young person is at risk of or experiencing one or more of the areas we support. Our Coordinator will confirm with you that a referral has been received, make arrangements to visit the child/young person (with parental agreement) in their own home to discuss the service and the young person’s potential requirements. Once a suitable volunteer mentor is identified, our Coordinator will introduce him or her to the young person and meetings will take place outside the family home. An initial visit is arranged where the Mentoring Service coordinator discusses the support required and to identify needs and set up an action plan. Please note that we currently have a waiting list due to the high demand for this service. It is our policy to liaise with referring agencies during the period of the service. We would expect the referring agency to keep us informed of any changes to the child/young person’s situation. Should you wish to discuss the service during the period of our support, please contact the Coordinator on 01332 341516 and not the volunteer. How to apply to be a Mentoring Service Volunteer Download our Mentoring Service Volunteer Application form here. Fill in the form and return the completed form to Kerreene Davidson, Children First Derby, 13 Leopold Street, Derby, DE1 2HE or alternatively email the completed form to [email protected]