About the Organisation
MAPS (Mentoring, Advocacy & Peer Support) supports children and young people in Sutton facing challenges or complex needs. We match them with Volunteer Mentors who provide a safe, supportive space to listen, guide, and encourage. Mentoring opens new opportunities, builds confidence and self-esteem, and strengthens resilience. Our service supports children aged 8–18 and care-experienced young adults up to 25.
What you will be doing
You’ll receive full training and ongoing support from our team of Mentoring Practitioners. Once matched with your Mentee, you’ll meet weekly for up to 12 months, at a time and place that works for you, with regular check-ins from your dedicated Mentoring Pactitioner.
Together, you and your Mentee decide how to spend your time — whether that’s a coffee and chat, a walk in the park, or something more active like bowling or a trip to the cinema.
Prefer to volunteer during school hours and term time only? Become a school-based MAPS Mentor
What's in it for you?
Our training not only prepares you for your role as a Mentor but also gives you transferable skills valuable in many areas of life. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by children and young people.
Your training will cover:
- Communication, listening, body language, and building rapport
- Boundaries, confidentiality, and managing challenging behaviour
- Safeguarding
- Bias and discrimination
- The non-advice approach
You’ll receive regular supervision from a dedicated Mentoring Practitioner and have access to additional training to build your skills further.
As a Mentor, you’ll also share exciting experiences with your mentee. This could include monthly mentoring socials — from table tennis and video games to painting and creative workshops — offering young people a fun, relaxed space to connect, reflect, and grow. Plus, there are special group activities throughout the year such as West End theatre trips, Go Ape, crazy golf, London Zoo, and more.
"Thank you for listening to me. Thank you for all the good memories. You've been the best friend I've ever had. I will for sure invite you to my wedding." MAPS Mentee
"I volunteered because its rewarding to see how giving up a small amount of my time makes such a big impact on someone else's life." MAPS Mentor
What skills will you need?
Our Mentors come from all walks of life and no specific qualifcations are needed for this role, just a positive attitude towards children and young people and a desire to help them explore their potential. Ideal qualities of a MAPS Volunteer Mentor include:
- Positive adult role model for young people at all times.
- Ability to develop relationships and build rapport with children and young people.
- Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with children, young peopleand family/carers.
- Effective listening skills and a non-judgemental attitude.
Minimum age 18+
DBS check required
What's the time commitment and where?
Time Commitment:
1-2 hours per week (with options to extend) for up to 12 months a mutually convenient time.
Location:
Mentoring takes place in the community throughout the London Borough of Sutton.
How can I apply?
Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation. It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below.
By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.