What makes a Friendship Works' mentor?

To find out more about what our mentors are like, read the information below or download our information pack.

There are a few basic practical requirements for our volunteers. We know that positive role models come in all shapes and sizes, but we do ask that mentors are in a stable period of their life, 21 or over, and don’t have caring responsibilities for a child under 14. They should also live in or around London, to make travelling to Camden, Islington or Southwark realistic on a weekly basis. Our volunteers meet with the child they are matched with regularly, so you will need to have time to give a few hours most weekends (we know you’ll probably want to go on holiday at some point, so don’t worry about that).

What skills do I need?

Our volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. But they have many things in common. They are positive, motivated and know how to have fun. They have lots of interests, are reliable and tolerant, and like trying new things. They have a good sense of humour and the patience to earn the trust of a child. They enjoy spending time with children. They want to make a difference.

If you are considering applying to be a mentor with Friendship Works, it may be worth thinking about whether you match the following profile. Our volunteers have lots of common skills and personal qualities which make a successful mentor.

Friendship Works, with your help, supports and empowers children to fulfil their potential. It’s important that every mentor likes and understands children and has some experience with them. This means our mentors have a realistic view of children. They take things in their stride and don’t expect too much too soon.

Important to the success of a friendship is the mentor’s ability to foster a warm and friendly atmosphere, and make a child feel comfortable. They have energy and enthusiasm, and plan imaginative things to do together.

It will not always be plain sailing. You might need to be patient. All of the children we support really want a mentor but some have experienced a lot of loss in their lives and are slow to trust adults. It may take time for you to develop a solid relationship with them but your caseworker will be there to help you through any difficulties. Prospective mentors need to have realistic expectations of what they can achieve and be happy to persevere. Resilience, patience and tolerance are all needed to build a strong friendship.

Simple things like listening to a child and being open and friendly help to build trust. Good communication is at the heart of the Friendship Works’ model and it is essential not only between mentor and child, but also between the mentor and our caseworkers, who are always on hand to offer guidance and advice.

Many of the children that are referred to Friendship Works have problems that cannot be solved simply by meeting a mentor once a week, but it certainly helps. It is important to be able to understand as far as possible the complexities of the world the child lives in, to have empathy, and act accordingly and sensitively. Being able to read situations and understand your own emotions, as well as the child’s, is an important trait.

Lastly, but essentially, we need a commitment from future mentors. They must see the two year programme through to its conclusion, as stability is the least a child deserves and will get from Friendship Works. Our mentors are dependable, and commit to meeting a child at least three weeks out of four (excepting holidays) for the two year period.

If you think you match many of these qualities, we would be delighted to hear from you. Just fill out the online application form and submit it to us.