The foundation is a membership network that formed in 1994 to encourage the growth of mentoring and befriending nationally.

It has more than 1,500 member organisations and, in conjunction withother voluntary groups and the Department for Education and Skills,offers advice and support to those wishing to develop mentoring orbefriending programmes.

The foundation, formerly the National Mentoring Network, provides itsadvice and support service by holding networking and training events. Animportant part of the foundation's work is the development of a"benchmark for good practice" in training.

It has also pioneered an online mentoring programme.

Telephone 0161 787 8600; www.mandbf.org.uk; Address 1st Floor, CharlesHouse, Albert Street, Manchester M30 0PW.