Grandmentors provides a solution. Put very simply, Grandmentors works by recruiting, training and providing ongoing support for volunteers, over the age of 50, who draw on their wealth of personal and professional experience to help young people (aged 16 – 24), living with adverse childhood experiences such as leaving care, on their pathway to independence.
Meeting weekly or fortnightly, Grandmentors is an award winning inter-generational mentoring programme, helping young people to address any challenges and choices they face on their journey.
It is widely recognised that care experienced young people are some of the most disadvantaged people in society. Many are placed in care because they have experienced, or are at high risk of, neglect and/or abuse. Security and stability are often missing from their lives. Over 14,000 young people in Scotland are care experienced (Jan 2019).
These complex issues often form barriers which obstruct care experienced young people from achieving their potential in life.
- Only 4% of care experienced young people go straight from high school to university, compared to 39% of the general population (Scottish Government, 2016).
- At least 21% of care leavers become homeless within five years of leaving care (Scottish Government, 2016). Practitioners estimate the figure could be between 30-50%)
- A third of young offenders self-identify as being Care Experienced (SPS, 2016).
- Some practitioners estimate that around 50% of the adult prison population may have care experience (HM Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, 2009).
To apply to become a Grandmentor, click apply now, or for further information please contact us.
Adam.Petrie@volunteeringmatters.org.uk
07415 734 639
This opportunity is for older volunteers (normally aged 50+) who have life experience and skills to offer. However, if you are younger than 50 and feel you could offer valuable support, please do apply or contact us to discuss further.
It is important that you have good people skills, communication skills, patience, and can offer a regular commitment of a few hours per week (weekly or fortnightly). This role requires a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) check, which will be handled and processed by us.
What we provide:
We provide our volunteers will comprehensive training, on-going support and volunteer expenses.
People who benefit from this project:
Care Experienced Young People aged 16-25
Young People with Adverse Childhood Experiences 16-25
