WAM Youth - Mentoring

Our mentoring project is supported by the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Fund and Encounter Church Winchcombe.

Why mentoring?
Young people are faced with many challenges and responsibilities during their formative years. Many struggle with issues of identity and self esteem and if not addressed these issues will follow them into adulthood limiting their potential as individuals and as collective community. Some young people can find it difficult to access the support and encouragement they need to develop their own wellbeing and to recognise their own value and identity. Mentoring provides young people with a relationship with an adult that can provide a safe space for young people to explore these issues and work through them, enabling them to face the challenges life brings.

Who are our mentors?
We recruit volunteer mentors from all walks of life, there is a careful matching process for mentors and mentees so we need all sorts of people! What can be more rewarding than building a relationship with a young person in your community and seeing them grow and develop as a result of your support? We run regular training through the year for new mentors. We follow a safe recruitment process that includes an enhanced DBS check. If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a mentor then please contact us.

Who are our mentees?
Mentees are generally referred to us from schools, youth centres, community services or local councils. We will take direct referrals from parents where appropriate. Our mentees are all young people who just need a bit of extra support in life. There may sometimes be a waiting list for a mentor because of the matching process.

What does it cost?
For the young person it costs nothing! We are trying to raise enough money through grants and fundraising so that we can offer this service to schools and other organisations without charge.

What do I do next?
If you are young person, parent or carer in the Winchombe area who would like a mentor for you or your child please contact us. If we are already working with your school or youth centre we will usually encourage you to apply to us through them. If you are a school or other organisation wanting to work with us please contact us. We have a clear process for working with schools and we will send you an information pack. We are always keen to partner with other organisations so if you are a local community group keen to be involved do get in touch! If you are interested in becoming a mentor then contact us and we will arrange a time to meet you and chat this through.

Do you have a child with Special Needs / Disabilities, (diagnosed or otherwise) within driving distance of Winchcombe or South Evesham? WAM Youth are a youth charity who believe 'We All Matter.' They are wanting to shape their provision in response to the needs of children with special needs and disabilities and their families. If you can help by filling out their survey please go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7CS2YS2