Goals: To provide training in peer mentoring for young volunteers
Funding: 45,000 annually from the Active Community Unit at the Home Office, which is due to end in April, and a one-off AOL Innovation in the Community Award of 2,000
Young people often find it easier to approach a peer for advice. And providing that support or guidance can be very rewarding for young mentors.
Youth 4 Youth builds on the enthusiasm of young volunteers by developing their peer mentoring skills. The project was set up four years ago by Somerset Youth Volunteering Network to create opportunities for young people living in isolated rural areas. Today it supports 189 young mentors aged 13 to 25 who are referred from schools, colleges and voluntary youth organisations.
Young mentor Lydia Cheyne, 14, believes mentoring is more than the one-to-one relationship. She says: "It feels great to provide support and friendship for someone. I am more confident because of the social skills I've gained."
The project has received 2,000 from AOL to develop an "e-mentoring" service aimed at isolated young people, due to be piloted from March.
Project co-ordinator Melanie Merrill says: "Mentors are a friendly face for young people who may not otherwise seek help. And e-mentoring will extend the relationship after school and open training to more young people."
- Got a project to share? Call Charlotte Goddard on 020 8267 4719, charlotte.goddard@haynet.com.
