Looking for a volunteering opportunity that will make a real difference? Then we want to meet you!
On Thursday 16th March, we will host an open day to search for new volunteers for our mentoring scheme, which aims to reduce offending and re-offending in young people and adults.
The event will take place at the Black Sluice Lock Cottages in Boston from 1pm until 7pm and will be hosted by Director of Operations, Christina Hall, Mentor Coordinator Laura Priestley and their team.
Laura said: “Our mentors work tirelessly to help people get their lives back on track and achieve their goals. But as we receive more and more referrals we are struggling to meet the growing demand with our current team of active mentors.
“LAT is dedicated to supporting people who choose to take a different path, in a bid to cut the re-offending rate in Lincolnshire, but to do that we need to support of people from all walks of life from the community.”
During the open day visitors are invited to come along and meet Laura and the team for more information and to ask questions about what becoming a mentor will entail. Guests will also hear from and read case studies from people who have benefitted from the mentor programme.
Bryony*, who has been volunteering with LAT for the last six months, got involved in the scheme to actively help prevent re-offending as well as gain valuable experience to assist her career development.
She said: “Mentoring with Lincolnshire Action Trust has really given me a better understanding of some of the services out there to support people most in need.
“I enjoy knowing that I am helping someone to improve their life and make permanent changes to their behaviour through more informal support which complements the wider service provision.”
Another mentor, Emma* realised two years into a social policy and criminology degree with the Open University that she was at risk of finishing her studies without having gained any practical experience.
Emma plans to work with youth offenders so becoming a mentor with LAT has helped her gain real-life experience that will stand her in good stead once she’s completed her training.
“I’ve been mentoring with LAT for the last 14 months alongside my studies and my job in administration and customer service,” said Emma.
“I have enjoyed seeing the young people I’ve worked with become more confident and settled. I’m currently working with a girl who has made massive steps towards developing her self-esteem. and confidence. Seeing that reassures me that this is what I want to do as a career and reminds me why I enjoy the role so much.”
Emma has also noticed that mentoring has had a positive impact on her own outlook. As well as building her confidence, Emma recently secured a permanent paid job working with families, which she puts down to the experience she has gained through mentoring with LAT.
Emma added: “I’m thoroughly enjoying being a mentor and am pleased to be been able to put the knowledge that I have learnt through my studies into practice. I can’t recommend volunteering with LAT highly enough, the support is fantastic and it really does make a difference.”
All new volunteers will receive full and ongoing training and be asked to provide references and complete a DBS check before they begin mentoring.
Laura Priestley concluded: “We are so thankful to all of our mentors, who offer their time for free to help rebuild confidence and provide guidance and a friendly ear to people who are trying to rebuild their lives.”
Interested parties should attend the open day at the Black Sluice Lock Cottages in Boston on Thursday 16th March from 1pm until 7pm. Anyone unable to attend but interested in getting involved can contact Laura on 01522 806611 or via volunteering@latcharity.org.uk
To find out more about Lincolnshire Action Trust and its services please visit: latcharity.org.uk
