Sunderland Volunteer Mentoring Scheme is a well established project within the Youth Offending Service offering a unique service to young people across the city. Since it's inception in May 1999 the project has helped to support over 500 young people who were either involved in offending or classed as being 'at risk' of becoming involved in offending.

The project offers vulnerable young people, between the ages of 5 and 17yrs old, advice and support from an older, more experienced person, providing a protective factor against pressures linked to offending in a young person's life. Mentoring relationships have positively developed young people's confidence skills, potential talent and networks. In addition, mentoring offers volunteers a remarkable opportunity to gain experience of working with young people with volunteer mentors receiving ongoing training and development opportunities.

The success of the project has been recognised through receiving a 'Highly Commended' status in Sunderland Social Services Quality Awards 2001. Also in 2001 the project was shortlisted for the Community Care awards in the 'Young Offenders' category.

More recently the project has begun working towards membership of the National Mentoring and Befriending Foundation, highlighting the professional nature of the service.

Over 550 volunteer mentors have completed the thorough training package with many going on to successfully engage with young people.

If you feel you have what it takes to make a difference, we would like to hear from you.

For more information please contact:

Michael Edwards

145 High St West

Sunderland

SR1 1UW

Tel: 0191 566 3061

To find out more about becoming a mentor please click here.

Discover forthcoming activities in Sunderland for young people at:

Sunderland Events: things to see and do in and around Sunderland.