Nic and Rob - Bedfordshire MAP

Nick is 26. He spent a year volunteering as a mentor for young people on CSV’s Bedfordshire Mentors and Peers programme.

Nick says:

"Volunteering as a mentor was challenging. The young people were facing big personal challenges, but it was a really great experience. I was able to offer a friendly, considerate, reliable ear and be there for the young person without attachment to their family or friend circles. So when we went to kick a football around in the park or to the cinema it gave them the chance to raise and work through things that perhaps they would not feel so confident doing with someone they already knew.

I’ve learnt that if you treat young people with compassion and respect, they are far more likely to go on to lead happy fulfilling lives that benefit everyone in society.

“By volunteering as a mentor with CSV I have met some fantastic people, had the chance to develop many of my views and gain a huge amount of experience. Volunteering helped me get a paid position with CSV as a Youth Volunteering Advisor and provided the gateway into a career in the social sector. I would recommend it to anyone!”

Rob (not his real name) is 15 and lives in Bedford. Before he came to CSV, he’d been excluded from school several times and was at risk of permanent exclusion.

Rob's father had also served a prison sentence for violence towards Rob and his family. Rob spent nine months with a CSV mentor. His mentor helped him to talk about his relationship with his father, linking his own aggression to this experience and helping him think about his future.

Rob told us: “I really enjoyed going out to different places and getting out of the house. He helped me a lot with my problems.”

To find out more about volunteering as a mentor, click through to the map and look for the light blue pins or call us on 020 7278 6601.