MAPS Mentoring

Making a difference to children and young people in Sutton

MAPS Mentoring is an award-winning programme supporting children and young people to achieve their full potential through the support of a one-to-one volunteer adult role model.

We carefully match our Mentees (children and young people) with hand-picked, checked and trained volunteer Mentors who meet with their young person (Mentee) once a week for a year.

Mentoring can help young people connect with their community, improve confidence and raise aspirations enabling them to achieve their full potential.

"My mentor was very helpful and changed my life."

It's a safe space for young people to explore issues they are facing. They will receive support and guidance, learn new skills, try new activities and have some fun.

MAPS mentors come from all walks of life and from all adult age groups (18+). They are hand-picked to match their mentee, depending on their interests and skills. All our mentors need is a positive attitude towards children and young people, good listening skills and a calm and patient nature.

Become a MAPS mentor and start making a difference

Full training including personal awareness, communication skills, confidentiality, risk assessment and safeguarding
Regular 'MASH-UP' social sessions for mentoring pairs
Regular support and contact from the MAPS Practitioners
Regular group activities including theatre trips, go-karting and other days out

"I'm really proud to volunteer for a project that has done so much to help young people."

If you would like to find out more about becoming a MAPS Mentor, please get in touch with the MAPS team at Volunteer Centre Sutton on 020 8661 5900 or maps@vcsutton.org.uk.

We will be running our next round of training on Saturday 15th October 2022, and we would love to hear from you if you think you might be interested. If you are unavailable on this date, please get in touch anyway so that we can put you down for our next session.

"I have very much enjoyed being a mentor for MAPS, it has been such a rewarding and enjoyable experience. It’s such a privilege to be able to witness a young person grow and develop their confidence over the year and to be a part of their journey. I felt fully supported by the MAPS team and they have given brilliant advice whenever I needed it. MAPS is a great organisation, and it does such incredible work with the young people, they really are committed bunch and you can see how dedicated they are to their work. Being a mentor has also taught me a lot about myself and I’m so pleased that I took the step to volunteer with them!"

If you are a professional... Speak with a member of the MAPS team to advise you of the referral route and process.