Great feedback on the Safe Space Mentoring programme

“It can help you through a rough patch, for me it was school and staff not listening, but with an advocate and mentor, things changed, school is better and I have a bit more confidence.”

“It’s going well, I’m enjoying it. It’s really nice to have someone to talk to if I have random worries.”

From a parent: “X’s mood has improved 100% since seeing her mentor. She has someone she can trust which means so much. I think it’s great what you do, especially as it’s volunteers. Happy child= happy mum. 5 out of 5 for everything the mentor has done”

Mentoring involves a young person meeting with a volunteer mentor for an hour or so a week, in a public place such as a café, park or library.

The Safe Space mentoring programme is available to 11-19* year olds (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties/disabilities or care leavers) in Hertfordshire who have low to mid-level support needs. *If aged 11 the young person must be in year 7.

The programme is voluntary so the young person must agree to the referral and support.

Mentoring gives young people a chance to talk about anything they wish to discuss or want advice on.

Typically, mentoring lasts for 6 months (this can be longer/shorter depending on the young person’s needs).

Some young people decide to set goals at the beginning of the mentoring, whilst others simply value the one-to-one time, just to talk with someone outside of their family / school.

All our mentors go through a recruitment process, 2 day training and have a valid DBS check.

If you would like more information or to discuss a possible referral please contact us on mentoringmailbox@hertfordshire.gov.uk or call the office on 01992 588251.