Bromley Mentoring Initiative
Volunteer Mentor – Role Description
Purpose of the Role
Volunteer Mentors provide guidance, encouragement and positive role-modelling to young people aged 10–18 across the London Borough of Bromley. Through regular oneto-one meetings, mentors help young people build confidence, develop life skills, explore goals, and navigate challenges at school, home, or socially.
Key Responsibilities
Meet regularly with an allocated young person (typically 1 hour per week/fortnight).
Build a trusting, supportive relationship that promotes the young person’s wellbeing, resilience and aspirations.
Support goal-setting, helping the young person reflect on challenges and celebrate achievements.
Encourage positive choices, such as engagement with education, healthy friendships, and constructive activities.
Act as a consistent adult role model, demonstrating reliability, empathy and respect.
Plan and participate in appropriate activities that build confidence (e.g. conversations, creative tasks, walks, problem-solving activities).
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Maintain appropriate boundaries in line with training and safeguarding guidelines.
Record brief session notes and communicate any concerns promptly to the Programme Leader.
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Attend induction and ongoing training, plus supervision sessions as required.
Qualities and skills needed
Warm, patient and able to listen without judgement
Respectful of confidentiality and young people’s diverse backgrounds.
Reliable and able to commit to a regular mentoring schedule.
Good communication skills and the ability to engage young people positively.
Willingness to learn, reflect, and follow guidance.
No previous mentoring experience required – training provided.
Time commitment
1 hour mentoring session per week or fortnight, plus reasonable preparation and travel time.
Minimum 12-month commitment.
Attendance at initial training (1 full day) and regular supervision.
Support and training provided
Comprehensive induction covering mentoring skills, safeguarding, boundaries, communication and child development.
Ongoing support from the Programme Leader, including supervision and access to resources.
Opportunities for additional training and development.
Safeguarding and vetting
All volunteers must complete an Enhanced DBS Check.
Two references are required.
Safeguarding is at the heart of the Bromley Mentoring Initiative; mentors must work within all policies and procedures.
What mentors gain
A meaningful opportunity to make a positive difference in a young person’s life.
Development of coaching, communication and interpersonal skills. Experience working with young people in a supportive, structured programme.
Increased confidence, satisfaction and personal growth.