The Mentoring Project
The Mentoring Project is run by Catch22, which works in partnership with Suffolk Youth Offending Service (YOS) to recruit, train and supervise volunteer mentors to work with young people aged 14-18 who are involved in the youth justice system.
Mentoring is a voluntary relationship between a young person and a supportive adult that happens on a one to one basis. The process aims to make constructive changes in the life and behaviour of a young person. The young people that require a mentor will have a history of offending and challenging behaviour. The relationship will have clearly defind goals that will be set by the young person, their YOS casework, mentor and mentor co-ordinator. These goals will work towards engaging the young person in training, education and employment.
For some young people involved in the youth justice system, a mentor is someone they can rely on, trust and someone who will be dependable and provide extra support and a positive adult role model. The essential ingredient of mentoring is the relationship that is established between the mentor and the young person.
See our 'Volunteers Wanted' section for more information on how to volunteer to be a mentor.