When was the last time you felt completely present?
No distractions, no to-do list, just the moment you were in?
In a world where we are expected to be constantly switched on, that kind of stillness can feel hard to come by. But one local charity, Mentoring Plus, offers exactly that, to the young people they support and the volunteers who walk alongside them.
Through its volunteer mentoring programme, adults are trained and carefully matched with a young person in Bath and North East Somerset. Each week, they meet to talk, explore activities they both enjoy, whether that’s a walk or board games in a café, and simply enjoy each other’s company. No agendas, no pressure, just two people giving one another their full, undivided attention.
And that simplicity makes a profound difference. Every year, more than 100 young people facing challenges such as poor mental health, loneliness or family breakdown, are supported by kind and friendly volunteers. Every week, the charity sees young people growing in confidence, feeling happier, safer and more connected. One mentee, shared how mentoring has helped them:
“The first thing I enjoy about mentoring is that every single Thursday I get taken out, and it comforts me and helps me with my anxiety. It gives me time to talk about what I’m feeling. I know I have someone behind my back to help me, and that’s good for me. It helps with all my social things.”
(Quote not provided by the young person pictured)
Meanwhile, the sixty or so volunteers mentoring each week find their own rewards too, improved wellbeing, new skills, and feeling part of their community. Graham Abbey, mentor and trustee of Mentoring Plus, shares his experience of mentoring, highlighting the magic of undivided attention:
“It genuinely felt like a real privilege just to spend time together, for the two of us to give each other undivided time and attention. It has made me realise how really rare that is and how hard it is when not with your own children or friends, because there’s so much other stuff to distract you. The mentoring process creates this little haven, this little space, where you can just be together.”
The impact on both mentors and mentees is clear. But there are always more young people in Bath and North East Somerset waiting for that one kind adult to show up for them each week. Someone who isn’t a family member, a teacher or a friend, someone without a preconceived idea of who they are, who won’t judge them, and who has the time to really listen.
If you have a few hours to spare and the desire to make a genuine difference, Mentoring Plus would love to hear from you.
You don’t need any prior experience. Just an open mind, a kind heart and willingness to have some fun.
You will receive full training and support every step of the way. You’ll also receive expenses and a warm welcome into a friendly volunteer community.
Next free training: Saturdays 3 and 10 October, 10am-4pm, Bath
Find out more: www.mentoringplus.net
01225 429 694 – inspire@mentoringplus.net
