Staying Safe – Mentors

The programme is an innovative approach which positions community members and professionals to support young people within Coventry to make positive lifestyle choices.

Positive Youth Foundation, Coventry City Council, West Midlands Police and CATCH 22 were successful in bidding for the Supporting Families against Youth Crime Fund and also the Early Intervention Youth Fund.

The Project consists of a three-tier approach, delivering sessions within schools, provide targeted family work and providing young people on the periphery of gangs or those already involved, with mentors to help them to achieve better outcomes.

The aim of the Staying Safe Volunteer Programme is to provide community members with training and support to give them the confidence to help others. In most cases, the young people we work with are victims of exploitation and in need of a positive adult in their lives.

INTENDED OUTCOMES FOR THE STAYING SAFE PROGRAMME ARE:

• Enable young people to make informed, positive decisions

• Support young people to create and maintain trustworthy relationships

• Provide information advice and guidance on current issues affecting young people

• Encourage young people to progress in life, feeling safe and fulfilled

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MENTORING:

• Committed individuals who are driven to support young people

• To attend safeguarding and mentoring training (total 8 hours)

• Pledge to support a young person for approximately 1 to 2 hours per week for up to six months

• Complete a DBS check (please note that previous offences do not necessarily exclude you from becoming a mentor. Life experiences may actually help!)