8 -12-week Mentoring programme – this is a guide and can be reduced or extended by 4 weeks -  dependent of the needs of the child or young person.

The aim of this service is to emotionally support, set goals and guide children and young people to meet their own individual potential and view themselves in a more positive way.

Our mentors are positive role models and provide a safe space for children and young people to discuss their hopes, dreams, worries and any difficulties they are experiencing. Mentors understand that it can take time for the child or young person to feel comfortable to share and open up to them. 

Children and young people referred to this service may require support to help them learn strategies and practical skills to help them self-regulate emotions, behaviours, reactions and support the understanding of the thoughts, feelings and behaviour cycle. In addition, our mentors nurture the development of children and young peoples exploration of new interests and support the development of their individual talents.

The mentoring sessions are child or young person led and our mentors actively encourage them to contribute to the programme and actively listen to what the child or young person is saying to them.

Through collaboration with the child or young person, each mentoring session is planned in advance. However, the plan can be changed if the child or young persons leads the session in a different direction, for example, Some activities last longer than one session or on occasions a child or young person may want to revisit certain topics – to cement their knowledge or if child or young person is experiencing a difficulty they may prefer to navigate that rather than follow the planned session.

Through reflective practice the mentor will evaluate each session, to ensure the child or young person has/will receive the appropriate support and affirm the programme is being delivered appropriately for the child or young persons needs, therefore, providing them optimum chance to positively move forward.

What is provided

Duration of programme

The mentoring sessions are held hourly once a week for approx  8-12 weeks.

However, it may be agreed by all key parties that the session time can be decreased due to the child or young persons circumstances for example; a child or young person with a ADHD diagnosis may find 1 hour too long,  therefore, disengage in the session or programme, so the session will be shorter and broken down into more manageable segments to give them the best possible chance for the child or young person to positively engaging in the programme.

A session may also need to be increased, for example, if a child or young person is sharing a difficulty they are experiencing ending the session on time may make the child or young person feel rejected and this could result in disengagement from the programme and a loss of trust in their mentor.

Where are the sessions delivered

Mentoring sessions can be delivered at our premises in Tonbridge, in the school or the educational setting the child or young person attends, in the family home or in the community.

*If the session is delivered at the family home the mentor will not be able to enter home or deliver the session unless there is parent present.

**If the session is delivered in the community the parent must bring the child or young person to the session and pick them up - always staying nearby.

Who can access the programme

Any child or young person who lives in Tonbridge, Kent and is between the ages of 8-16 years.

As an inclusive charity we do not discriminate, there is not a selection process. Referrals will be allocated in chronological order on receipt of the referral form.

NB:

However, we would like to highlight that if we deem our services are not suitable for a child or young person, thereby putting a child or young person (or family) at further risk and exacerbating the difficulties they are experiencing, we will offer support (where appropriate) and signpost to a more suitable professional organisation who would be more able to provide the correct support.