Volunteer Children's Mentor: Develop Your Skills and Make a Difference

As a mentor, you will be trained to deliver weekly 1:1 sessions for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences. Whether you're playing games or discussing goals, you'll be making a difference in a child's life by developing the tools for a positive future. Mentoring a Little Londoner can help support your professional development, with 57% of mentors reporting the programme helped them progress in their career. We will support you to develop and enhance a wide range of transferable skills. With 93% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you'll see tangible impact from your mentoring even once the year is over. TKN's mentoring programme supports a long-term increase in wellbeing, emotional literacy and sustained agency that children continue to draw on well beyond the programme; equipping them for a positive and happy future. Skills description We are looking for enthusiastic, curious, and fun volunteers that are eager to learn new skills and support local children. The Kids Network will support you with valuable training and experiences that will enhance both your personal and professional development. Role Address Mentoring happens all across London. We have programmes in Brent, Redbridge, Southwark, Lambeth, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Westminister, Camden, Islington, Hammersmith and Fulham and Greenwich You will be matched with a child in your local area and mentoring sessions will take place out in the community in a public place (e.g: the park, cinema, a cafe etc) What's in it for you Training, Support & Certificate:

• All volunteers will attend 1 day of training, including safeguarding, understanding what mentoring is and skills to bring to the role.
• We also offer additional training throughout the year, with up to 30 hours of free training and development available.
• Upon completion of the mentoring programme, Mentors will receive a Badge of Excellence Certificate in Child-led Mentoring.
• Mentors will have a direct contact at the organisation, their Programme Manager (PM). PM's provide support, encouragement and advice throughout the whole year of your mentoring.
Volunteering with us will look great on your CV and you will gain demonstrable experience in:
• Building project management and teamwork skills: Collaboratively plan fun and engaging sessions.
• Commitment: Attend weekly sessions and meet deadlines by submitting session reports on time.
• Communication: Adapt your communication style to meet the needs of the child.
• Professionalism: Comply with all TKN policies and procedures, particularly regarding safeguarding.
• Working with children: Gain firsthand experience working with children aged 8-11.
Socials:
• We hold mentor meet-ups, providing an opportunity for you to meet, socialise, and share experiences with our diverse community of mentors.
• We run frequent group mentoring sessions where you can connect with other pairs while enjoying a fun and free activity. Previous sessions have included football games, theatre visits, trips to the zoo, art workshops, and kite making and flying.
  
  1-3 hours a week for 1 year. This can be flexible between weekday evenings and weekends.