What do board games, den building or walks in the park have to do with changing young people’s lives?
The answer might be simpler than you think.
With the support of local youth charity Mentoring Plus, young people aged 7–25 who are facing tough challenges – such as poor mental health, school difficulties or family breakdown – spend one to two hours a week taking part in fun and interesting activities alongside a trained volunteer mentor. And every week, this time together makes a significant difference to their happiness, confidence, and outlook on the future.
For these young people, this playful and positive style of mentoring offers a gentler alternative to more formal interventions like therapy or counselling. By focusing on enjoyable shared experiences, pressure dissipates, creating a relaxed space where they can build trust, talk more openly, improve their immediate wellbeing and develop valuable life skills – all while just being themselves.
For volunteers, the simplicity of Mentoring Plus’s approach makes the role both meaningful and deeply fulfilling. Every game, adventure and conversation has an impact not only on the young person but on the mentor too. Each session requires undivided attention, offering volunteers a chance to step away from life’s usual pressures and distractions – and often to try things they might not have done otherwise.
Most powerfully, it’s an opportunity to make a direct, lasting difference: to help transform how a young person sees themselves, and how they feel about the world and their place within it.
With rising demand from young people, volunteer, John Freeman, shares his experience of mentoring:
“I wanted to become a volunteer mentor because, growing up, I never had a positive role model – and it had a huge impact on my life. I struggled from a young age, right through into my forties. I know that if someone had been there for me, things could have turned out very differently.
The training was brilliant – it gives you everything you need. And once you’re matched, your practitioner is always there to support you and hold any of the more challenging stuff, like concerns about your mentee’s wellbeing.
Mentoring isn’t about giving advice or fixing problems. It’s about walking alongside a young person, accepting them for who they are, and letting them take the lead. Connection takes time, but when you see their light start to shine a little brighter, it’s completely worth it.
My last mentee and I spent our sessions in the woods, on the swings, and by the end we had a great bond. I would say if you’re thinking about mentoring, just go for it and sign-up for the training. You won’t regret it!”
JUST TWO HOURS A WEEK COULD CHANGE A YOUNG PERSON’S LIFE – AND YOURS:
Find out more / apply to become a volunteer mentor Mentoring Plus provides:
• www.mentoringplus.net • Full training (Sat 4 + 11 October, 2025, 10am-4pm in Bath)
• volunteering@mentoringplus.net • Ongoing support, activities budget and mileage expenses
