Action For Children Volunteer Mentoring Programme

Action For Children are offering a range of opportunities to those interested in a rewarding volunteering experience. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals who have an interest in the wellbeing of vulnerable young people and families.

The Dundee Volunteer Mentoring Programme provides living skills to young people who are homeless or have additional needs. Volunteers are matched with interested young people with the aim of further assisting with the development of social skills and encouraging the young person to become involved in sustainable leisure activities of their choice.

The roles of mentors are varied and wide-ranging; they may include attending appointments or undertaking activities with the young person such as baking, cooking or going to the gym. Volunteers have also assisted with fundraising, outdoor activities, day trips and outings.

Although the main focus is placed on providing positive support for young people, volunteering is also hugely beneficial to the volunteers themselves. Not only does volunteering expand your skillset and experience, research carried out by the London School of Economics found that the more time people spent volunteering, the happier they were. This can be at least partly attributed to the fact that volunteering strengthens social bonds and increases empathy levels, but also because it has been shown to increase self-esteem and bolster an individual’s sense of purpose.

Previous experience of volunteering is desirable but not essential as full training and ongoing support is provided.

All reasonable expenses are reimbursed, volunteers must be over 18 years of age and will be required to join the PVG scheme. It is advised that volunteers are able to commit to 1-2 hours per week for 6 months post training. For any more information please contact Sarah.Hogan@actionforchildren.org.uk or t: 01382 450052