Grandmentors, an innovative, intergenerational mentoring project for care experienced young people, has just launched in Merton! 

Every year, approximately 10,000 sixteen to eighteen-year-olds leave foster or residential care in England. Transitioning into adult life is a difficult time for any young person, however for a care experienced young person, turning 18 comes with another set of challenges.  

Getting a first job, finding a flat, completing education are all difficult tasks for a young person without the help of a supportive family.  

However, this group of young people are amongst the strongest and most resilient in any community. Through the skill of mentoring, Grandmentors supports care experienced young people to be autonomous, capable, and empowered adults. 

Grandmentors are volunteer mentors, (usually over the aged of 50) who work together with a care experienced young person (usually between the ages 16-24). The meet regularly and forge trusting and positive relationships that support, challenge, and empower young people. 

With the help of their Grandmentor, care experienced young people work through goals and/ or concerns, usually around the areas of employment, education and training, housing and finance and health and wellbeing.  

82% of the care leavers supported by Grandmentors are in education, employment or training after six months, compared to just 51% nationally. 

One young person in Suffolk said about Grandmentors: “Since having my mentor in my life everything has changed! Every time I talk to my mentor, I have a sense of relief. She is helping me to be a better version of myself. I feel like I have a family and I am safe.” 

Volunteering Matters, the national charity that runs the Grandmentors programmes, has over 60 years of experience of bringing people and communities closer through the power of volunteering. They’ve worked with more than 20,000 volunteers, supporting them into roles where they’re able to give back to their local community and tackle some of society’s most complex issues.  

Grandmentors Merton is currently recruiting volunteer mentors. If you’re passionate about helping young people succeed and want an opportunity to give back to your community, please get in touch. Email emma.beattie@volunteeringmatters.org.uk to find out more.