The young people supported at YAT can be struggling with a variety of difficulties including loneliness or isolation, low confidence, maintaining friendships or anxiety about everyday activities. On our Mentoring Programme, volunteer mentors provide one-to-one support to help them overcome their challenges and nurture their development in a variety of ways. So much of what our mentors do aligns with the well established ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’; practical, evidence-based actions known to support people’s mental health and wellbeing:
Be active
Many young people spend a lot of their time at home and in their bedrooms; mentoring sessions offer them a chance to get outdoors and active whilst exploring things to do in their local community. They are free to try out new activities, whether it’s going to a martial arts session, taking a walk in nature, a game of badminton or a kick about in the park; the safe, supportive mentoring space allows young people the opportunity to find out what they enjoy in accessible and fun ways.
We’ve done quite a lot of things; we’ve been to the farm multiple times and fed the lambs, we went climbing and I did bouldering last time – it was fun. I learnt that I’m very good at climbing, the fact I haven’t done it before”
Sarah, 15 years
It’s having someone to talk to and actually having someone to go out with instead of sitting in all day, being lazy or playing on my PlayStation”
Ryan, 15 years
Connect
Mentoring gives young people a welcome break from their screens and the chance to explore their thoughts and ideas through the time spent with their mentor. As they build confidence in their sessions, they can gain real-life experience through conversation with people they don’t know, practicing asking questions or making purchases in new environments, and developing important interpersonal skills.
She helped me to talk to people more because my social skills have been dreadful throughout my life – I cannot get on with people. So having Sarah around who’s been willing to do stuff with me makes me more comfortable talking to other people and that means I get along with people much better now”
Kyle, 14 years
Give
Our volunteer mentors provide young people with a positive role model who gives their time and support without payment. This is a hugely powerful insight for young people into what it means to volunteer and helps them to recognise these important qualities. Research shows that being exposed to volunteering means they are much more likely to volunteer themselves in the future to support others in their communities.
Tom is kind and funny. He finds the time to take me out and takes part in the activities that we do”
Finn, 15 years
Some mentoring pairs have actively participated in volunteering in their sessions too; like the pair who worked hard at a local farm over a number of weeks, including cleaning out the pig pen, or the others who helped at an animal sanctuary and particularly loved feeding the donkeys!
Learn new skills
Mentoring sessions are perfect for uninterrupted time to learn to do something new and the possibilities are endless! Arts and crafts are a great example with the extra benefit of being relaxing, mindful activities. In the last year we have seen mentoring pairs develop skills in a number of areas, such as knitting, pottery, climbing, fishing and even driving! There is a great sense of achievement in seeing themselves progress and succeed, building their confidence to try other new things in different areas of life.
The fishing was one of my favourite sessions because I got to catch my first carp and I’m going to try again sometime”
Sam, 15 years
Take notice
Mentoring partnerships often go out and explore natural spaces, taking an interest in the environment, building an appreciation for calmness and the natural world. Young people can take notice of the present moment and reflect without distractions, away from the bustle and pressures of school or family life. This has helped young people to recognise and understand their emotions, build awareness of their responses and learn how to cope with them better.
I’m free to be open to my emotions, I can be upset, I can be mad – I’m happy to be open, to say what’s on my mind, what’s bugging me, he can help me through it”
Alex, 15 years
YAT’s Mentoring Programme makes a meaningful difference to the young people’s wellbeing, not only broadening their experience, but helping them to connect with others and understand themselves better. It is additionally rewarding to hear how enriching the relationships are for our volunteers too;
I’ve learned so much about myself, new skills, new crafts, and feel more fulfilled” Marion, Volunteer Mentor
I think its made me reflect on the fact I should keep continuing to try new things, its inspired me and actually broadened my horizons” Josh, Volunteer Mentor
We continue to be so grateful to our amazing volunteers and young people who make this transformational programme possible. If you want to find out more about being a mentor, get in touch and we would be happy to talk to you about the available roles.
