The Mentoring Project began in 1997 as a result of growing concerns from staff and volunteers within the youth club section. It had become noticeable that many young people attending the evening youth club were experiencing a wide range of complex issues, including not attending school, experiments with substances, getting involved in criminal activity and generally opting out of mainstream society. Research was carried out and the project launched, quickly expanding far beyond the response anticipated.

We now work closely with a variety of agencies and organisations that refer young people who are experiencing difficulties, whatever nature. At present 146 young people, aged between 8 -21 years are seeing their mentor regularly. There is in fact a waiting list of 62 young people, 50 of which are male, which clearly demonstrates the need for such a project.

Mentors are recruited and trained to work voluntarily, on a one to one basis, with the youngsters. Their role is simply to motivate and encourage their assigned youngster, whilst building a relationship, aiming to increase confidence and self-esteem and so enabling them to make more appropriate choices as they approach their adult life. Our experience has demonstrated that the participants respond positively to volunteer mentors and develop strong bonds with them. The voluntary ethos of the scheme has a definite advantage as the young people soon learn that their mentor spends time with them genuinely, because they want to, not because they get paid.

There is presently a pool of 131 volunteer mentors aged between 18 - 80, but indeed more are needed. One mentor commented, "Mentoring has changed the way I look at life. The satisfaction of working one to one with a young person and helping them through a difficult time cannot be put into words."

Due to the success of the Mentoring Project, the Home Office awarded a "Gold Star Status" and the Mentoring and Befriending National Foundation awarded an "Approved Provider Status". Additionally, Karen Edwards, the project manager, was invited to Downing Street earlier this year, as the Prime Minister recognised Bolton Lads & Girls Club's Mentoring Project to be an example of the best practice in community development. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer mentor please look at the volunteering section on the web site.