Volunteer Mentor Corby, Northamptonshire, East Midlands, England
Job description
The following is a brief outline of Bridge’s Mentoring Service.
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring involves one person helping, supporting and encouraging another person to make progress or changes in their lives. It is not as formal as counselling but is more structured than befriending.
Bridge Programme Mentors
Our mentors are volunteers who are prepared to give their own time to help others improve their lives. They will have some history of addiction to a substance or alcohol and/or homelessness and will be able to identify with the problems facing clients who have decided to address their alcohol, drug or housing problems. Bridge Mentors are not counsellors or drug workers. Their role is limited to a few hours a week of help and support.
All Mentors will have attended a detailed two day Bridge training course regarding their role.
All Mentors will need a DBS, Bridge can make this application.
What skills or experience are required?
- The ability to be non-judgemental and understanding of people in difficult situations
- Good Communicator
- Good listener
- Reliable
- Honest
- Trustworthy
- Good interpersonal skills
- Friendly and approachable
- Some history or knowledge of substance misuse and/or homelessness
- An ability to motivate and encourage
As part of their role, volunteer mentors may be required to:
- Provide one to one support
- Attend external meetings/appointments, working within our policies
- Facilitate and build positive relationships away from peer influences
- Signpost to relevant staff and services
Confidentiality
Due to the nature of our work, volunteers will be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement – no information relating to any members may be disclosed to third parties without the consent of both the Member and Bridge SMP.
Recruitment Process
- Applicants must complete an application form.
- Applicants will then undergo an interview with the Volunteer/Peer Mentor Coordinator
- Applicants will then be asked to attend a two day training course. This course will provide all necessary information about being a Bridge Mentor. Throughout the course, applicants will be assessed with regard to their suitability to become a mentor.
- All applicants will be required to be DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) – to be paid for by BSMP.
Support and Supervisor:
Christine Kent – Volunteer/Peer Mentor Coordinator.
