Grandmentors

Grandmentors: building better futures for young care leavers across 8 areas in the UK.
Every year, approximately 10,000 sixteen to eighteen year olds leave foster or residential care in England. Far too many do not go on to higher education or employment. All too often, they are deprived of support and opportunity.

This is why we created our award-winning Grandmentors programme, to help transform the lives of vulnerable young people through the emotional and practical support of our older, world-wise volunteers. Thanks to the support of Grandmentors, 82% of the care leavers are in education, employment or training after six months, compared to just 51% nationally.

“IT’S SIMPLY AMAZING TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A LOCAL, TRULY SUPPORTIVE PERSON WHO WILL ALWAYS WANT TO HELP ME” COLE, A YOUNG CARE LEAVER FROM IPSWICH
Grandmentors provide a vital link for young people as they navigate life after care. They come from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, enabling them to understand and meet the range of needs of their mentees. As trained volunteers – aged 50 and over – Grandmentors forge trusting and positive relationships with young people. They support, challenge and empower mentees to unlock their own skills and shape their own futures.

Our Grandmentors projects are running across eight local authorities. We’ve had 500 successful matches since the programme’s launch.

“GRANDMENTORS PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE GET BACK ON TRACK. BEFRIENDING, NURTURING AND ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE, UTILISING THE EXPERIENCES THEY HAVE GAINED DURING THEIR LIFE TIME” CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICE, ISLINGTON COUNCIL
WORK IN A LOCAL AUTHORITY?
Find out more about Grandmentors, its impact and how we partner with local authorities to support young care leavers. Contact Tony Rich, Business Development Manager:

TONY.RICH@VOLUNTEERINGMATTERS.ORG.UK

WANT TO BE A GRANDMENTOR?
We provide training, on-going support and expenses for volunteers. No special skills or qualifications are needed for this voluntary role, just life experiences as well as a willingness to support someone who is need of a bit of help. See below for the latest volunteer opportunities.

SUPPORT GRANDMENTORS
We think all young care leavers deserve the support of a Grandmentor. Help us make this happen. Donate today.