The Mentoring Project provides a Mentoring Service for ‘Looked After’ children and young people between the ages of 12-18 years old. This mentoring relationship pays particular attention to the young person’s educational requirements; focusing on the improvement of future career prospects; aspirations and key motivators.  The attainment of success and achievements within education will assist in increasing the young person’s self esteem and self confidence whilst providing a more positive outlook for their future. The mentoring relationship will also focus on the personal development of the young person, addressing key issues such as; social exclusion, interpersonal skills, independence skills and coping skills.

The Mentoring Project offers a concentrated approach towards upgrading the educational achievements acquired by the young people.  This is achieved by working and engaging with them on a one to one basis.  The Mentor is trained to take account of the factors making it more difficult for young people with Care experience to attend and participate in school life.  Therefore the project offers vital time through which to engage with the young person in order to explore their personal issues. The Mentor can then address the risks and consequences of being expelled or suspended from school.

Each young person will be matched with a Mentor who will meet them for two to three hours per week for a period of one year.

The individual Mentoring relationship offers a structured and positive approach through which to engage young people, providing them with an opportunity to create an open relationship where their issues are discussed.  The young person can thus truly reflect on their life; make decisions about their future and have an understanding of who they are as a person, without feeling judged or pigeon-holed.

Set and attain achievable goals, with a support service (Mentor) always at hand

Reach goals, thus gaining a sense of achievement; increased self confidence & self esteem, as well as a desire and motivation to set new goals and work towards the realization of future ambitions

Identify their skills and learn to develop a step by step approach towards achieving targets

Develop group participation skills, as each young person involved on the project will participate in a group work programme. This programme also provides links to other educational and work opportunities.

The group work programme covers two main themes:

1) Personal Development 

This element covers a wide range of issues such as managing Care experience and developing independence skills.

2) Education and Employment

This aspect sets up Interactive workshops to assist young people in planning their future training and career. 

Mentors are volunteers from all social sectors who have the desire and motivation to bring out the best in children and young people. VOYPIC Mentors must be aged 18 or above.

People interested in becoming a Mentor must initially complete a training and assessment process to ensure that all volunteers are trained and prepared appropriately for their role.

The Mentoring Project specifically targets young people who could benefit from the interaction of a Mentor in their life and address their educational achievements as well as their personal development.

Young people can self refer and any professional working with children and young people, for example; Teachers, Social Workers, Community Youth Workers, who work with young people who meet the criteria can refer to the Mentoring Project.

To make a referral please contact the Mentoring Development Worker at your local VOYPIC office to request more information.