Becoming a Child Mentor

Author: Jeff Durham

Many of you reading this will be able to look back on your own childhood perhaps fondly remembering the things you learned as you were growing up from your parents, grandparents, teachers or others with whom you came into contact with – sometimes it might have been some useful knowledge that was passed on to you or, more importantly, maybe you benefited from a stable upbringing in a warm, loving environment in which you were able, as a child, to get to appreciate what was right or wrong in life and also within your own behaviour and attitudes and to establish a set of ‘values’ which you’ve maintained throughout your adulthood.

You’ll also have developed a solid foundation upon which to build relationships with your peers and with others which will have been carried on through into adulthood. There is no doubt that the world would be a happier, safer and much better place were we all able to have a similar experience. However, for many children, this simply isn’t the case. Whether it’s due to neglect, abuse, social deprivation, being orphaned, being abandoned or for any other reason, some children do not experience anything like this form of upbringing which is where becoming a child mentor can play an extremely important part in re-establishing a child’s place in the world and gives them a sense of self-worth, confidence and identity.

Mentoring Organisations

There are several organisations which specialise in early intervention and aim to assist primary school children so that they are not at risk of social exclusion and behavioural problems later in life. Ultimately, the role of a child mentor is intended to achieve lasting change in the life of a child by encouraging and nurturing the development of important life skills.

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What Type Of Children Do These Organisations Work With?

The type of children you may get to work with as a child mentor will vary tremendously as they’ll all have their own unique backgrounds, personalities and issues but the one thing they’ll all have in common is that they will all feel vulnerable in some way or other. They may have suffered from family neglect, instability at home or lack of adult supervision and may experience problems ranging from poor social skills, difficulty in forming healthy peer relationships, bad conduct, hyperactivity, poor concentration etc. Usually, they will have come to the attention of the organisation as a result of being contacted by a child’s primary school.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

How Might I Get Involved And Do I Have The Right Skills?

You would need to complete the relevant application forms along with police check forms and supply details of two character references after which the organisation would supply you with details of the next available training dates. It’s not necessary to have particular skills but more a case of your personal qualities and values that they’re looking for along with your commitment and enthusiasm. The type of qualities you’d need would include a friendly approach and an ability to relate to people especially children, a sensitive tactful manner, enthusiasm, a sense of responsibility, good listening skills, common sense in abundance, a sense of humour, consistency, self-motivation and a commitment to see things through.

What Might The Work Involve?

You’d become the child’s confidante and able to listen to their concerns and problems. You’d want to gain the trust and respect of the child so that they will value your opinions when it comes to you trying to get them to understand the consequences of their actions and choices. You’d also want them to discuss their own goals and to come up with ways in which they might be achieved and to encourage them to develop their own social skills. You would be involved in sharing positive experiences with them and to encourage them when they do particularly well to reinforce the progression they have made. You’d discuss their progress with the child him/herself whilst you are mentoring them and both with your supervisor and, where appropriate, with the child’s parents through building up a relationship with them also and you would be expected to plan and record each session you spend with the child and to be able to report and give feedback on their progress. You’d also be responsible for the child’s safety at all times whenever they are in your care. Being able to offer a couple of hours a week, every week is crucial in this type of role. It is not for the faint-hearted and for those who may not be able to meet with the child on a regular basis as this could be very detrimental to the child’s progress as they will have put a lot of trust and faith in you.

Becoming a child mentor can seem quite daunting if you’ve never thought about it previously. And, whilst the prospect can seem very challenging, most mentors are simply ordinary people carrying out an extraordinary role so you should not be put off by thinking it would be beyond you, as the likelihood is that if it’s something you find very appealing, you would probably be very good at it given adequate support and training.

There are other more informal ways you can become a voluntary child mentor. For teenagers, for example, why not contact your local youth club or community centre to see if there are any opportunities to work with teenagers within your local community as this is another area where you can make a real difference. You’ll not only be helping someone to steer a more productive path for themselves through life, you’ll feel very appreciated and rewarded to and it will be an experience you’ll never forget and you’ll probably also end up with a friend for life.

The Next Step

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75 questions

Ask Voluntary Worker a Question

Ezzy 01/03/2023 at 11:33 pm

How does one apply to become a child mentor?

Lisa 08/10/2020 at 3:54 pm

I would to support children and direct my career in mentoring

Pam 28/01/2019 at 3:42 pm

Am interested in mentoring kids and would like a career in it .

Safa 22/09/2018 at 10:13 pm

I am very passionat about this work and i want to work in the field of volunteering because i have worked in some countries

Karl 02/05/2018 at 9:44 am

Hi I am a self employed person who would like to get involved in mentoring possibly young offenders or care leavers. From a difficult background my self myself, I feel I have a lot to offer but I am having terrible trouble finding any opportunities in the Manchester/ Stockport area. No one answers calls or they don’t get back to you. I did the training for probation volunteer a year ago and was just getting into it when they disbanded it , it’s very frustrating - any psuggestions if organisations I could contact please ?

Daz 01/05/2018 at 10:58 pm

I had everything as a kid .That ment nothing to me i became a rebble but i met my now wife of almost 24 years & i new that rebble was gone You need that something in life & i would love to help that someone be something & enjoy life

chinaa 22/03/2018 at 6:52 pm

i have been seeking to do some voluntary work to gain more skills for my self and develop my self around this particular section to build my confidence within my self and help other within there selfs

VoluntaryWorker Editor 18/12/2017 at 3:26 pm

Try searching for child mentoring volunteer opportunities in your area - there are some suggestions in our response to @Danny below.

T 16/12/2017 at 3:45 am

Hello I was wondering how I would be able to spend time with this child. I was wondering if there is a specific location and can I take them out to spend some quality time.

nicole 10/10/2017 at 3:05 pm

Hi I am looking for volunteering opportunities fro my daughter in Barnet as part of her bronze D of E. She is 15 and great wtih kids, very creative etc so all suggestions welcome! Thanks

Jaz 18/03/2017 at 5:48 pm

I would like to get involved in volunteer work with children. I'm a nanny and have many years experience working with children.
I study life coaching and nutrition and believe I have a lot to offer for the youth of today. I am passionate about child development, positive encouragement and showing children the skills/techniques to have the best life they can have.

Mandisa 30/01/2017 at 8:44 pm

I am looking foreward to working with children! My goal is to open up a school for mentoring children in the memory of my cousin Emma Lou!

VoluntaryWorker Editor 25/11/2016 at 10:52 am

Here are some ideas of a few organisations that you could approach for mentoring opportunities: Princes Trust Barnardos Young Enterprise SOVA

Danny 23/11/2016 at 11:59 pm

Hi
I am a black mixed race male who would like to enquire about getting involved as a child mentor. I am married with a son who is twelve and work full time as an electrician but would like to know if this is possible without experience. And would like to help

Bene 15/11/2016 at 11:00 pm

Hi I am based in Reading and would like to volunteer/help struggling kids (who can't afford tutors) with school work or others. I'm French and a chemist so could help out in these 2 areas. Any info would be welcome. Many thanks.

Fran 10/08/2016 at 9:29 am

I currently volunteer for a local charity that educates excluded children. We are their last resort! I previously trained as a mentor to children coming out of care. Then they went into supported lodgings at 16! Our training was paid for by the Princes Trust. I trained at the Family Centre of Hants Social Services in Alton. We all loved mentoring but we were disbanded by the Labour Party who put the responsibility for mentoring into the hands of private companies and the children's peer groups within school. I would very much like to return to mentoring vulnerable children in or leaving care. However I love my work with excluded children so would run the two side by side. Fran.

Em 24/05/2016 at 10:24 pm

I am currently enrolled on a social science uni degree to start this September. I would really like to work with young children mentoring them helping and guiding them. To be able to listen to them and advise them.

James 12/03/2016 at 9:05 am

I became a volunteer 'big brother' with BB&S-UK twelve years ago but the organisation folded, in my area at least, due to lack of funding about four years in. I kept up the role though and my mentee is like a son to me. He's twenty now and doing great. It's a friendship I hope will last for life, but now he's grown up I'd like to do the same again for another kid. Are you able to point me towards a similar organisation that might be interested? Grateful, James

Sarah 01/03/2016 at 12:41 pm

I am interested in becoming a, child mentor how do i go about this. Currently doing a, degree, in social science. In my 2nd year. But want to further, my career after the degree and, do social work. But would like some, opportunities to gain some, experience working with, children.

lioness 18/01/2016 at 5:33 pm

I forgot to add we live in the west midlands just outside coventry

lioness 18/01/2016 at 5:32 pm

I'm hoping to find a black/mixed race male mentor for my 9 year old mixed race son.his own father was violent so not a safe role model and he's grown up without a positive black male influence in his life.this breaks my heart and I'd do anything to rectify this and give my child a greater feeling of self worth/confidence.if anyone knows where I can find a mentor program or start the ball rolling please advise I'd be so grateful

Bo 23/12/2015 at 9:09 pm

Interested in becoming a young persons mentor.currently studying level 2 T.A comecing March 2016.
Please can you help.
Thank you.

Jay 16/11/2015 at 11:11 pm

I grew up in care and would like to help children who have no one and be friend when then need, I got into trouble with the police when I was younger I was 18 I'm now44 and have stayed out of trouble... Is irlt possible to still volunteer

Smithy 11/11/2015 at 6:51 pm

I am interested as volunteering as a Child mentor. Are there any organisations in West Sussex, Surrey or Hants? ...I live on the borders of all three.

Soff 01/11/2015 at 10:24 pm

I am in Birmingham...interested in helping young kid's.

Hetty 30/10/2015 at 9:31 pm

Am in my final year of stuudying youth and community work, and am looking work experience and would like to volunteer. I have worked in partnership with young people in empower and support them to achieve their full potential in an holistic environment. Also engaging young people in an educational process that engages with them in a curriculum built from their lived experience and their personal beliefs and aspirations. Thereby enable and empowering and encouraging them to voice their opinions and influence the community in which they live in.

Tee 28/09/2015 at 11:11 pm

Hi I would like to worth with children from age11-19 with behavioural problems or with young offenders/ probation how do I go about volunteering or where do I go to do this? Thanks

rina 29/08/2015 at 9:40 pm

Hi I would like to be a mentor for children in the Cheshire/Manchester area. Please can you let me know who to contact?

Thanks.

QueenKayani 02/08/2015 at 11:53 pm

can you point me in right direction for Waltham Forest areas. In particular Walthamstow? Thanks

Sarah 27/07/2015 at 8:26 pm

i would like to become a mentor in the Bloxwich area. I have NVQ Level 3, Children and Young People's Workforce.
Thank you

wildthing 27/07/2015 at 11:25 am

Hi, I am very interested in becoming a child mentor and would like to do this as a paid job. I live in Enfield area and already work in a school. Please can you advise where to start.

Thank you. Nicole.

VoluntaryWorker Editor 14/05/2015 at 2:14 pm

@Smiley. try these organisations:Reach Out Mentor Adult Education Volunteer Trafford Time Out project Banardos Child Services -

Smiley 10/05/2015 at 6:48 pm

Hi, I would like to become a child mentor volunteer in the Manchester area.
Please could you give me a contact address for me to enquire?
Thankyou

VoluntaryWorker Editor 15/04/2015 at 12:17 pm

@Jeremy. Yes you could try the folllowing:Blue Smile Volunteer Mentors Voluntary Norfolk Mentor OpportunitiesAction for Children Break Mentoring Opportunities

Jeremy 14/04/2015 at 12:37 am

Hi,

I am looking for child mentoring opportunities in the Norfolk/ Suffolk / Cambridgeshire area. Please could you let me know if you know of any organisations in this area.

Thanks

VoluntaryWorker Editor 19/03/2015 at 10:23 am

@Shane. An internet search should bring you results for the Walsall area. Here are some contacts that we already have for the Birmingham area: Birmingham Youth Offending Team 0121 464 0600 or Email:Andrew.Blyth@birmingham.gov.ukSandwell Youth Offending volunteer opportunitiesSova Youth Volunteer Dudley - Sova is a charity working to help people steer clear of crime.Volunteer Mentors - opportunties for volunteers for mentors to help young people build crime-free lives - search for your area.

Shane 16/03/2015 at 9:40 pm

Hi, I am looking into doing voluntary work as a child mentor or youth offending worker in the walsall area to gain work experience to assist my health and social care studies, can you give my an idea of who is best to contact. Thanks

Em 04/02/2015 at 2:10 pm

I am interested in becoming a child mentor in the Walsall / Birmingham area can you advise please?

Lucy 08/12/2014 at 2:18 am

Hi,

I would like to become a child mentor. How do I do so. I can't se to find anymore information. Please stir towards the next step?

Lucy x

Han-d 03/09/2014 at 6:45 pm

Hi, I've been working as a support worker with adults with learning disabilities for over a year now. I am interested in working as a learning mentor in a school and feel I need more work experience (possibly more qualifications) to do so.
If you have any information on any volunteer work to do with learning mentors for children around Coventry and Warwickshire Id be very grateful.
Thanks
Hannah

Wenders 19/07/2014 at 8:12 pm

Hi, I am currently studying a degree course in Youth Justice and I will be going into my second year, I would like details about volunteer placement in the Youth Offending Team in Newham.

sue Boo 29/04/2014 at 10:04 pm

Hi, I'm very interested in becoming a mentor for young children or young offenders, please would you forward me the relevant information and how to go about applying? Thank you.
Sue

philly 08/04/2014 at 1:11 pm

Hi im interested in becoming a chjild mentor very good with children and also had experience in child care environment plus volunteering as a family support worker

Babatunde 08/04/2013 at 9:05 am

I recently came across this site,i have a very strong passion to mentor young children, and be part of their lives,could you forward to me the way to go about this please.

Caz 05/02/2013 at 7:56 am

I am currently employed within the NHS as a newborn hearing screener based in Cardiff. I am interested in becoming a child mentor as in my role as a screener I often visit families in their homes where I believe that a child may would benefit from extra support.

Please could you forward me some information regarding your services.
Regards

cally 27/10/2012 at 4:27 pm

Hi There, I work as a nanny and have 2 children of my own. As I am now working part time I would love to help mentor a child a few hours a week. including children with special needs.

I would love a reply with any information available and I live in Ham, RIchmond Upon Thames.

Many Thanks

Khalida 11/09/2012 at 2:27 pm

I would like to volunteer for this posiition as I believe I have patience . I work for the Greenwich Bexley Community Hospice as a Bereavement Counsellor

Khalida 11/09/2012 at 2:23 pm

I would like to apply and hope it is not too late for the position of volunteer mentors.
I have missed the interview dates and believe I can offer lots. I do volunteer work in Greenwich Bexley Community Hospice. Please consider me and I am willing to give details of my cv.

bee 04/09/2012 at 11:42 pm

I have always work with children and young people and i have just completed my degree in child and adolescent studies and i will like to volunteer in in youth offender team. Throughout my study i learn about youth justice which i think i can help and support the youth in many ways.

TomL123 20/08/2012 at 11:16 pm

Hello,

I am very interested in working in areas such as Child Mentoring and my local Young Offenders Team. I am just about to start a 20 week part time course 'Understanding Children and Young People' and am looking to go on further higher education in this so am really looking for some experience in these fields to help.

Please could someone contact me with further information on both volunteering opportunities and any training that would be beneficail?

Many thanks

Tom

mkmr87 17/08/2012 at 12:05 am

I live just outside liverpool and would apppreciate any help or advice working as a child mentor. Any help appreciated. thank you.

sunshine 09/08/2012 at 10:01 pm

do you have to be a certain age to become a mentor?

dawn 21/07/2012 at 6:06 pm

i am interested in becoming a child mentor how do i apply i am retired i have time on my hands t kemp

miss smiley 15/07/2012 at 11:19 pm

hi i am needing information on how to apply for a child mentoring position. i live in camarthenshire wales ( llanelli ) anyone help ?

Glen 13/07/2012 at 9:32 am

Hi there

Am interested in becoming a child mentor. Please could you send me some information on this.

Thank you

diamond 03/07/2012 at 12:36 pm

i would like to become a childrens mentor in the liverpool area
, can you send me relevant information

Marah 27/06/2012 at 2:51 am

hello, I'm interested of helping young children in any way I can
I've been searching for so long to find a foundation to apply for in order to volunteer
So what to do? and please send me the application form to apply for, I live in amman/Jordan
Thanks.

Charlotte 12/06/2012 at 5:39 pm

Hi, could i please have some more information?i live in Farnborough in Hampshire. Thanks

Phil 28/05/2012 at 11:30 pm

Hi

I am interested in volunteering to help young people. I live in the Sevenoaks area and although I work full time, would be able to comit to a few hours a week.

I would be grateful if you could send me any relevant information.

Many thanks

Philippa

Carley 16/02/2012 at 10:23 pm

I am interested to find out more about becoming a child mentor, please can I have details?

Many thanks

Paola 26/11/2011 at 9:36 am

Hi, I am interested in becoming a child mentor in my area in London. Can you please send me the application form? Thanks.

tan 25/11/2011 at 7:37 am

Hi there, I am really interested in being a childs mentor, can you forward me some details please? Tanya

Kay 22/11/2011 at 9:30 pm

Hi I would like to become a mentor for young people and children with Special Educational Needs. I am an SEN Teaching Assistant in an Inclusive School and I love my job.

VoluntaryWorker 12/10/2011 at 10:45 am

WE don't have specific details here. You will need to contact your local authority and find out if any schools or organisations are looking for mentors.

Ilham 11/10/2011 at 7:50 pm

Hi, i would like to volunteer in being a childs metor, could you please send me the details on what this will entitle and how i have to go about in volunteer placement. Thank you

Amy 07/10/2011 at 9:28 pm

I am interested in becoming a child mentor, please could you forward details? Thanks

Katie 28/09/2011 at 11:47 pm

Hi, I'm very interested in becoming a mentor for young children or young offenders, please would you forward me the relevant information and how to go about applying? Thank you.

Rachel 12/08/2011 at 7:32 pm

Hi, I am a primary school teacher and a member of the senior management team working in Newham. I am very interested in finding out more about becoming a mentor for young children. In light of recent events I feel an obligation to give back so if it be time, advice or just a listening ear then so be it. Please forward relevant details. Kind regards

bigz 15/06/2011 at 12:02 pm

Please send me some information about the schems you are running please

SID 10/06/2011 at 8:45 pm

i am interesting in becoming a child mentor in my local area of East London. Please forward me the details :)

T 10/06/2011 at 12:43 am

I am interested in becoming a child mentor, please could you forward details?
Thanks

Kate 30/05/2011 at 8:16 pm

I am a lecturer for young people aged 16-19yr olds and I would be very interested in being a mentor for other young people. All info on how I go about this would be great.

Brigitta 22/05/2011 at 8:52 pm

I would like to become a child mentor in London. What do I need to do?

zakz 15/05/2011 at 4:46 pm

I like working with different age groups. I have worked with younger children while I was doing my work experience. If there is any thing troubling with the child I will love to help them since I am always here for them. My friend who also had family problems I had helped her get through it so people if you want help or advice come to me I'll help you.

Nosheen 07/04/2011 at 12:39 pm

I love to work with people at all ages, not that I have worked with them in the past, but I have this passion of helping people overcoming their problems, whether it be housing problems, family problems, or even friends, or whatever the reason may be, I love helping,communicating,socialising with people at all times. I do have a little experience since we have a joint family with whom I always get along with and look after when they're not able to do so. I have had friends who have had all sorts of problems regarding relationships, family etc. and they always look up to me and seek help, since they know I'm always there for people, whether or not I am close with them.

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