Archived project
This project is no longer delivered by Volunteering Matters, but we have kept this page as part of our archive to share learning and impact. If you are interested in discussing this work or exploring similar opportunities, please get in touch with our Partnerships team.
Equip Mentoring
- Mentoring and support for young people aged 16-24 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET)
- Up to 12 months of volunteer mentoring, focused on building confidence and getting into employment, training or work experience
Volunteering Matters and Ipswich Borough Council are working in partnership to help young people aged between 16 and 24, who are NEET (not in employment, education or training) through EQUIP Mentoring Ipswich.
The project recruits volunteer mentors who have valuable lifetime skills and experiences to share. This enables them to empower young people to unlock their strengths and reach their full potential.
This is a free service delivered by Volunteering Matters and funded by Ipswich Borough Council.
Becoming a mentor
Our mentors complement the work schools and youth services do to support young people in the Borough. Mentors work with the young people in specific areas where they might need some help or guidance. This could be one or more of the following duties at any given time.
Help your mentee set goals concerning education, employment or training
Improve life skills, self-esteem and confidence
Provide advice on managing emotional/physical wellbeing
Signpost to public services that offer support
Offer guidance on building positive relationships and avoiding negative influences
- Basic IT and communication skills
- Can be any age over 18
- Be open-minded, empathetic, patient and helpful
- Committed to meeting a mentee weekly for a minimum of 6 months
- Networking and building relationships with other mentors
- Obtaining an insight into the challenges faced by young people
- Ability to claim expenses incurred during active mentoring sessions
- Great sense of satisfaction from making a difference in a young persons life
- Learning new perspectives and approaches in dealing with challenging situations
- Becoming competent in engaging and communicating with young people in general
- Getting involved in purposeful and interesting activities with mentees and mentors
Resources
Downloads
Case Study: Sue and Stephen
Read about a previous match with EQUIP.
“Sue and Stephen have created this incredible bond.”