The Jimmy Asher Foundation is launching a brand new bespoke mentoring service for children and young people across London. The JAF Mentors scheme will provide support for young people from the ages of 8 to 18 years, extending to age 21 for those with special needs and disabilities.
JAF Mentors will focus on children and young people who exhibit challenging behaviour at home and/or school, perhaps having difficulty communicating effectively, with a tendency to express their anger and frustration.
We will work alongside schools, youth clubs, pupil referral units, and secured homes to target children who urgently need our support.
We aim to take a holistic approach, building on each individual’s strengths and positive aspects, setting targets based around behaviour and learning, while also working towards developing new skills.
The mentors and mentees will work together to create new routines and habits that support the mentees to make better decisions in daily life, develop emotional literacy and increase awareness of their mental health, which will in turn improve their overall wellbeing.
The style of our mentoring programmes will vary from case to case, being specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of each young person referred to us. This will include anything from home visits and attending youth club activities to homework support and accompanying college/job interviews.
It is essential that our young people are matched with suitable mentors; people they can connect with, who are willing to really listen, and get to know them.
JAF mentors will come from various backgrounds and professions with a range of experience – from youth officers and individuals who grew up in the care system to entertainment officers, performance artists and even politicians who focus on youth engagement. As well as naturally having compassion and empathy, the mentors will be trained in solution-focused techniques, restorative approaches, provide conflict resolution and empower young people to reach their potential.
The JAF Mentors scheme launches in January 2020. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or would like to enquire about a free taster session for your school, youth club, or youth support service, please send an email to info@jimmyasherfoundation.org
To find out more about volunteering or any other aspect of the Jimmy Asher Foundation, visit www.jimmyasherfoundation.org and follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
