What our mentors do

Make a positive difference

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

Help make a friendship work

Mentors at Friendship Works are all volunteers who give their time for free. They meet most weekends with the child they support for two years. Many volunteers and the children they support remain friends after the initial two-year period. Like any friendship success lies in simplicity. You might go to the park, visit a museum or just talk over tea. Whatever you do together, you’ll be making a difference to a young life.

Volunteers do more than just meet up with a child for 3 or 4 hours. They listen, help to give a child a safe environment and introduce them to new activities and experiences, as well as trying new things and learning new skills themselves. Your support helps to bring them out of their shell, can improve their behaviour and give them more confidence. You’ll also get to see them growing up.

Better life-chances

Having a mentor helps children to build self-esteem and confidence. A positive role model gives them the strength and skill to handle challenges and tough situations. They try new things. Their horizons broaden. They see things in different ways. They believe more in their own abilities. They learn to trust someone.

Children need a range of people in their lives to offer them different support and experiences and to lend a helping hand on their journey to adulthood. If someone thinks we’re clever or funny, listens, and makes us feel liked and wanted, we feel safe, strong and supported. If you believe in yourself, you can do so much more.