Volunteer Mentor

Young people are referred to PROMISEworks by schools, social services and other agencies. Most have difficult family backgrounds and home lives. Our mentors are trusted adults who walk alongside them, helping them to negotiate life's challenges. For example, 11-year-old Michael lives with his mum and younger brother. Their dad is in a new relationship and has a young son with his new partner. He is not around very much and Michael misses him. Michael's mum suffers from poor mental health and sometimes drinks heavily to cope. Michael has had to phone the police when his mum got into an argument with a neighbour after drinking too much. Michael has now been matched with a mentor who takes him out once a week to give him some time when he doesn't have to worry or feel alone. They do some fun things together or just go for a walk. Michael's mentor is helping him to develop confidence and Michael is much more settled in school. We have almost 400 young people across Somerset, like Michael who are still waiting for a mentor. Full training and 24/7 support is provided by PROMISEworks caseholders.