What You'll Do: 

Open to any volunteers who have completed at least one residential project, mentoring offers the opportunity to create a unique and long-term bond with one of the young people we support. Mentoring pairs are specifically matched, meeting once weekly for 3 months and fortnightly for the subsequent 9 months. You and your mentee will enjoy fully funded activities designed to nurture self-confidence and expression, with a budget of up to £35 per session. Your ongoing, consistent support will be life-changing for one of our highest need young people.

 

Why You'll Love It: 

Free to Be volunteers make a direct, positive impact on the lives of some of London’s most vulnerable young people. The support, encouragement and care you give will help to nurture children’s self-confidence and allow them to begin to change their stories.

 

Our volunteers are part of a close-knit community known as the ‘Free to Be Family’. In joining, you will connect with like-minded individuals and make friends along the way. We could not do this without our volunteers, and so your volunteer experience is of the utmost importance to us. On projects, you will have the support of experienced volunteers and staff and have daily check-ins to discuss your experience. We value mutual feedback, and you will also have a more in-depth discussion at the end of the week to reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement whilst working with vulnerable children.

 

What You'll Learn: 

We invest in our volunteers and their development. All our new volunteers undergo statutory safeguarding and induction training, and we will continue to nurture your professional development in your volunteer journey with us. We offer free opportunities to undergo First Aid, MIDAS (driving), and food hygiene training as well as targeted training from leading experts on our annual free, celebratory ‘Experienced Helper’ weekend. Your time with us will offer you an invaluable insight into child-centred careers, as well as a host of transferrable skills including critical thinking, adaptability, and communication.

What We're Looking For: 

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, regardless of their previous experience working with young people. No special skillset is required; we recognise the value of a team consisting of different personalities and strengths. If you are an empathetic, patient and adaptable person you will fare well on our projects. Please note that we can only accept volunteers aged 18 or over.

We especially encourage applications from those who represent the lived experiences of our children through their own lived experience or background. 

If you would require support whilst volunteering with us, due to additional needs, please do make this known to us at interview so we can endeavour to assist you.

 

Summary
Volunteering
Mentor
Mental Health
Social Care
City of London
40 Weeks Minimum
1 Hours / Week
Skills you will develop: 
Active listening
Building relationships and influencing
Emotional intelligence
Organisation
Languages you should know: 
English
Full professional
Relevant interests: 
Charity / Nonprofit
Education
Requirements: 
DBS check
Over 18 years old
Phone Interview
Training

Similar Opportunities

 
Charity Shop Volunteer - Peckham Shop
Sense
Min. weeks
Charity Shop Volunteer - Peckham Shop
Volunteering
Volunteer
Disability, Health

 
Social Media Awareness Raiser
No Panic
Min. 0 Weeks Minimum weeks
Social Media Awareness Raiser
Volunteering
Volunteer
Mental Health

 
Sustainability Research Volunteer
People & Planet Student Services LTD
Min. 2 Weeks Minimum weeks
Sustainability Research Volunteer
Volunteering
Volunteer
Education, Environment, Refugees

People & Planet is looking for volunteers to assist with compiling its 2025/26 People & Planet University League; the only higher education ranking that classifies based on ethics and climate justice criteria.

Related Articles

City St George's Volunteering
Guest Blog by Carmen
Volunteering gave me real legal experience, purpose, and the chance to truly support a family in crisis - find out more about Carmen's...
City St George's Volunteering
Guest Blog by Shamini
Third year nursing student Shamini has been volunteering at Churchill War Rooms since September and spoke to us about her experience!
City St George's Volunteering
Lisa's volunteering story with St Luke'...
A final-year Mathematics student, Lisa has been volunteering with St Luke's for two years, ever since she spotted the opportunity on our website...