South West
Mentoring and befriending in your region
Mentoring and befriending activity in the South West is vibrant and the sector is growing fast. Nowhere else in England is unparalleled wealth and history contracted more starkly with socially excluded communities. It is these communities in particular that the Foundation aims to reach through its work with charities and voluntary sector bodies.
At present we are working with 1312 mentoring and befriending projects and organisations in the region. to date 300 of these had taken part in our registration process. 34% of the projects consulted with were befriending and buddying, 37% mentoring and 29% peer mentoring (both pre and post-16). Most of these projects were in the non profit sector with the majority being run by voluntary organisations and charities. The most popular client groups that these projects work with are pupils and students and offenders, ex-offenders and those at risk of offending.
At present we are working with 1312 mentoring and befriending projects and organisations in the region. to date 300 of these had taken part in our registration process. 34% of the projects consulted with were befriending and buddying, 37% mentoring and 29% peer mentoring (both pre and post-16). Most of these projects were in the non profit sector with the majority being run by voluntary organisations and charities. The most popular client groups that these projects work with are pupils and students and offenders, ex-offenders and those at risk of offending.
Mentoring for success: A mentoring scheme ran by the Gloucestershire Youth Offending Service. The scheme aims to support children and young people who are currently working with the Youth Offending Service / prevention service in finding and sustaining suitable education, training and employment (ETE). The scheme has been operating since April 2008 and currently has 22 skilled mentors engaged in relationships.
Side by Side: Is a befriending scheme operating in Exeter. The scheme provides leisure and social opportunities for people with learning disabilities who live independently or at home with family carers. The scheme has been in operation since 1994 and aims to maximize the independence of people with learning disabilities and at the same time provide carers with respite. The scheme currently has 13 befrienders who support on average between 15 and 25 clients per annum.
More examples of the real impact of Mentoring and Befriending within local communities can be found at our case studies or regional news pages.
We have representatives in all of the nine government regions throughout England, making a direct impact upon the communities that you live in. They can help you with a number of things; either setting up a project, developing an existing programme or achieving Approved Provider Standard (APS) status.
Contact your Regional Co-ordinator
