Lighthouse Project Mentor

About this role

The Lighthouse Project is a part of the Church Urban Fund’s Wayfinder Programme. It is a mentoring service which aims to offer an understanding, non-judgemental support to those who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless.

Mentoring is mainly a listening role, and you will be carefully matched with a mentee who you will speak to over the telephone, on face time or face-to-face. Mentoring takes around an hour on a schedule you both agree to – not more than once a week, and not less than once a month. A small amount of time will be required outside of this to make a brief report of the conversation and any other details the mentoring team need to be kept up to date with.

Mentoring is a wonderful way to share skills and to help others. It is also an excellent way to build skills and experience in the homelessness, mental health or related sectors. This role provides relevant job experience for any future role requiring communication skills, working with the public or mental health awareness.

Initial and ongoing training is provided.

Personal qualities and experience:
We are looking for people who understand how daunting it might be to talk to a stranger, and who demonstrate strong listening and communication skills. You will need to be reliable, empathic, non-judgemental and patient, and able to summarise and reflect with a mentee in a thoughtful way.

No previous experience or qualifications are necessary for this role, as you will receive training and support from our mentoring team. Volunteers will need to attend introductory training, and further training opportunities and time to speak with fellow mentors will be provided every month.

Tasks and activities:
·         Meet with, face time or call a mentee for an hour on a schedule mutually agreed upon – not more than once a week, and not less than once a month.
. Be able to commit to mentoring for six months, with possible extensions of up to a year.
·         Listen to your mentee in a calm, non-judgemental way, allowing them to explore their current situation.
·         Encourage, motivate, and support your mentee, assisting them in areas they identify as important.
·         It is not the mentor’s responsibility to solve all the mentee’s problems, but rather to encourage, motivate and help where possible.
·         Complete a briefing form after every meeting/call and send this by email to the Mentor Coordinator.
·         Participate in reflective supervision with the Mentor Coordinator, and attend monthly reflective practice group sessions where possible.
·         Adhere to all project boundaries and policies.
·         Participate in the end-of-relationship exit interview and complete a feedback form.

When you can volunteer

Requirements

• References needed
• Willing to take a DBS Check
• Age restrictions
• Accepts ex/offenders

Applicants must be over the age of 18

Location

This opportunity allows you to volunteer from home

Available from home

Location Melton Street, Leicester LE1 3NB, UK