About The Project

MAPS Mentoring is an award-winning programme that carefully matches children and young people with trained and DBS-checked volunteer mentors. Mentors meet with their young person once a week for up to a year, providing consistent one-to-one support, encouragement and a positive adult role model.

The programme supports children and young people facing challenging circumstances, including poor mental health, low self-esteem, social isolation, exploitation and difficult family situations. Through these trusted mentoring relationships, young people build confidence, develop resilience, strengthen positive relationships and are better equipped to achieve their full potential.

What We Do

The programme supports children and young people facing challenging circumstances, including poor mental health, low self-esteem, social isolation, exploitation and difficult family situations. Through these trusted mentoring relationships, young people build confidence, develop resilience, strengthen positive relationships and are better equipped to achieve their full potential. Our Mentors support young people to:

• Build confidence and self-esteem 

• Talk through challenges with a trusted adult 

• Develop new skills and interests 

• Try new activities and experiences 

• Connect with their community 

• Set goals and work towards achieving their potential 

Our volunteer Mentors provide encouragement, guidance and a listening ear, helping young people recognise their strengths and make positive choices for the future. 

How We Help

By providing a safe space and consistent support, MAPS Mentoring helps young people feel more connected, overcome challenges and work towards a positive future. 

All MAPS Mentors receive full training including personal awareness, communication skills, confidentiality, risk assessment and safeguarding. Mentors receive regular support and contact from the MAPS team throughout their mentoring relationship. 

Mentoring pairs can take part in monthly social sessions and group activities, including trips, events and shared experiences that help young people build confidence, learn new skills and have fun. 

Read an update on MAPS Mentoring from our Impact Report 2025–2026

Beneficiary Feedback

"My mental health has gotten so much better (from being mentored). It's a fantastic thing, you get to meet someone new, it's a lot of fun and a chance to escape which is really nice"   

Former MAPS Mentee

Get Involved

We are always looking for new volunteers to join our MAPS Mentoring team 

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer MAPS Mentor, please submit your details here. A member of our team will contact you to discuss training and next steps. 

Referral

If you are a child, young person, parent or guardian of a young person who would like to get involved with MAPS Mentoring, please click here to give us your details and a member of our friendly team will be in touch. 

If you are a professional, please contact the MAPS team to discuss the referral route and process. Email: maps@vcsutton.org.uk

MAPS Advocacy provides independent Advocates for children and young people in Sutton involved in child protection proceedings, Looked After Children and Care Leavers. To discover how we help young people feel heard, supported and empowered, please click here

Safeguarding for children, young people and vulnerable adults. To learn more about our approach and the support available, please click here

Contact Us

For more information or any questions about MAPS Mentoring, please contact the MAPS team at Volunteer Centre Sutton. 

Email: maps@vcsutton.org.uk