Mentoring
Be part of something that makes a difference
We’re looking for people with 2-3 hours a week to dedicate to a young person for a minimum of two years, and people to help out with our activities on an ad-hoc basis. You don’t need experience with youth work, we’re looking for kind and non-judgemental people with time to give to improve someone else’s life.
Children enter the care system for various reasons, ranging from home environments made unsafe by abuse and neglect to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children or those requiring specialized disability support. Journeys through the care system are often marked by instability, with some people having as many as 30 different placements. This frequent movement often shatters their ability to trust - while social workers and Personal Advisers (PAs) work tirelessly, the system is stretched to its limit. Overburdened caseloads mean that the statutory requirement of one contact every six weeks is often all that can be met - which isn’t enough an 18-year-old suddenly living alone and navigating the complexities of adulthood with very limited, or non-existent additional networks. Despite welcome recent government reforms, children in care face a "care cliff" where state support is significantly withdrawn from age 18. Many find themselves in unsafe or unsuitable housing, isolated from support networks and vulnerable to criminal exploitation. While some remain in care, others are forced to balance the pressures of college or work with the overwhelming responsibility of managing bills and a household entirely on their own. These pressures frequently exacerbate common young adult issues such as substance use and misuse, risky behaviours and poor mental health.
More about Care Leavers
Why is mentoring needed?
Our young people have huge potential and, with the right support, can successfully transition to lead happy, fulfilling, and independent lives. We facilitate their personal growth, whether in education, employment, or housing stability, by providing essential guidance. Our approach is built on mentorship and trusted relationships:
• Tailored Support: Mentors offer non-judgmental guidance, encouragement, and a safety net during challenging times.
• Trust as a Foundation: We prioritize building trust and creating a safe space, which is essential for achieving personal goals and exploring new ideas effectively.
• Careful Matching: Matches are made thoughtfully based on personality, humour, and shared interests to ensure mutual enjoyment and successful, low-pressure relationship development.total of 137 young people were supported ts out.”
What makes a good mentor?
You’ll be a good listener, non judgemental, consistent and committed, that’s all we need to start with
We’ll teach you all about the care system, young peoples’ lives, safeguarding, mental health and help you to understand the importance of good boundaries. We’re all individuals, and individuals are exactly what we need. You can absolutely be you, whether you’re quiet or noisy, intense or laid back. You might have had a pretty straightforward life or been through really tough times - both are welcome, and make up the personalities and motivation to support.
The training can bring difficulties and issues to the surface, and if we don’t think that mentoring is right for you, or for our young people, we’ll have a chat with you about that, and carefully work out next best steps.
I work full time - can I mentor?
Absolutely! Most of our mentors work, some full and some part time. It’s a very flexible role, and your couple of hours a week can be done whenever it suits you - evenings, weekends, or if you work flexibly, or work shifts, then weekdays too. Whatever suits you and the young person is what matters most.
Our young people need and deserve only to be matched with great mentors who are well trained, supported and carefully recruited, so we’ll ask you to sign up to our volunteering database, providing 2, ideally employment references (or alternatives).
We also run a DBS check. If you have something that will come up, we ask you to let us know beforehand. We encourage lived experience, so it’s rarely an issue, as long as the offence isn’t recent or present a risk to the young people. As part of training, we have a survey to find out more about you as a person, and also an optional attachment style quiz to help you understand attachment. We also have some policies to read, and need proof of driving licence if you are a driver.
What’s the process of becoming a mentor?
Training
Absolutely! Most of our mentors work, some full and some part time. It’s a very flexible role, and your couple of hours a week can be done whenever it suits you – evenings, weekends, or if you work flexibly, or work shifts, then weekdays too. Whatever suits you and the young person is fine by us!
Can I be a mentor if I work full time?
Absolutely! Most of our mentors work, some full and some part time. It’s a very flexible role, and your couple of hours a week can be done whenever it suits you – evenings, weekends, or if you work flexibly, or work shifts, then weekdays too. Whatever suits you and the young person is fine by us!
Want to volunteer?
Email the volunteering team at volunteering@pure-insight.org.uk or register your interest here and we’ll be in touch
Support Pure Insight
Every donation helps us provide the trusted relationships, practical support and opportunities that enable care-experienced young people to move forward with confidence.
Fundraising is a brilliant way to bring people together while helping care-experienced young people access the support, opportunities and relationships they need.
There are lots of ways to raise money and help us support more young people. You could organise a sponsored challenge, host a quiz or bake sale, run a fundraiser event at event, organise a community event, take part in a challenge with friends, or choose Pure Insight as your charity partner.
In 2025–26, our first large-scale fundraising challenge saw 18 staff, volunteers and local council workers take on a tandem skydive from 13,000 feet, raising £17,300 together.
For more information about fundraising email the team at info@pure-insight.org.uk
Fundraise for Pure Insight
