Bromley Mentoring Initiative
Mentor FAQs
What is a mentor?
A mentor is an adult volunteer who motivates, guides and supports young people identified as at risk or disadvantaged and who would benefit from a 1:1 intervention and someone independent to talk to.
A mentor helps young people, who have agreed they would like to engage with the programme, towards the achievement of positive goals.
What is the purpose of mentoring and why are mentors needed?
Some young people are from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and are in need of extra support and guidance from a positive and trustworthy adult role model; our mentors provide help and support to these young people.
The one thing that all the young people we work with usually have in common is low self-esteem; by helping young people to discover activities and new skills, we can really help them to become resilient and improve and achieve in many areas of their lives.
What does a mentor do?
Each mentor is matched with a young person that they have something in common with. The first couple of sessions are about developing a trusting relationship; this gives the mentor an opportunity to find out more about the young person and their individual needs so the support you will offer may vary.
How much time do I need to give and when and where will I be required?
Sessions are generally weekly, lasting for up to an hour over the course of a year. The majority of mentoring takes place within the school day but some programmes offer mentoring out of school hours. Ideally we ask for a minimum of a year’s commitment; however, some arrangements may finish earlier or go on longer.
The majority of mentoring sessions take place in Bromley schools. We do offer virtual mentoring and community mentoring for some of our programmes.
How do you match me to a young person and what is the process?
The matching process is taken very seriously by our team and you will be carefully matched with a young person. We discuss with all volunteers during their interview any preferences they may have, taking into consideration your hobbies, interests, geography, skills, and your personal wishes and feelings as well.
How will I know what to do and what not to do?
Don’t worry, a full day’s training is provided as well as regular support groups and supervision surgeries.
The team is always at the end of the phone for advice and guidance. A mentoring handbook is also provided on the training day.
What if I don’t get on with the young person or our circumstances change?
Don’t worry, this rarely happens. You will be carefully matched with the young person you are mentoring. However, if it really doesn’t work out on either side, we would support the ending of the arrangement and organise a new match.
If either the mentor or young person moves away from the area, the formal mentoring arrangement would end. However, if you were still within reasonable travelling distance, we would explore how the arrangement might continue.
Do I need to have a DBS check or any other background checks?
Yes. All volunteers are required to complete the application process which includes a form, an interview and an enhanced DBS. We also seek at least two references: usually one from your current employer and one other (whom you have known for over 5 years).
How do I apply?
Complete the application form and return it to mentoring@bromley.gov.uk