What is the minimum and maximum age requirement to be a
mentor?

We require all our mentors to be above 18 years old. However, there is no upper age limit,
and you are welcome to volunteer as long as you are able to keep pace with a child.

Can I mentor if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not necessarily mean you will be unable to volunteer, but this
is determined on a case-by-case basis. If you have a criminal record, you will need to let us
know on your application or in interview. We will also ask you to fill in a self-disclosure form.
Our Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) will need to see your police check certificate and
will contact you for a private and confidential discussion.

Will I receive training?

Yes! It is mandatory for mentors to complete our two-day training course. The training
course is designed to aid you in your journey as a mentor, and cover key topics such as:
• Qualities of a mentor
• Safeguarding
• Setting boundaries
• Dealing with difficult situations
• Planning sessions

How will I be matched with a mentee?

Once you have gone through the recruitment process, we begin the process of matching you
with a child. This will be based not only on proximity but also on similar interests and
personalities which we feel will make a good fit!

When do I need to be available to mentor, and for how long?

Each session is between 1-3 hours long, and sessions take place once a week. This will
be outside of school hours, so you will need to be available to mentor either on a weekday after school or 
evening or at the weekend.

Where will the mentoring take place?

Mentors will collect their mentee from home or school. We work across London in the following boroughs:

• Hackney
• Camden
• Lambeth
• Southwark
• Hammersmith and Fulham
• Brent
• Islington
• Lambeth
• Tower Hamlets

Sessions initially take place in the local area, and over time you will be able to explore
London with your mentee!

How much contact would I have with the mentee’s family?

You will be in touch with the family of your mentee to book in and confirm sessions each
week. On the day of the session, you will collect your mentee from their parent/caregiver
and drop them back home after the session. This may be the only contact you have with
their family, and any boundaries to keep in mind will be discussed further in training.

Can I take a holiday during the mentoring?

Yes, you may take a holiday as long as you let your mentee’s family and your volunteer
coordinator know. We ask that the first 6 weeks must be consecutive face to face sessions
and that you do not take a holiday longer than 3 weeks within the first 3 months of
mentoring to ensure you are able to build a relationship with your mentee. If you will be away for longer than a month at one time during the programme please let us know in the application stage.

For further information, please contact info@thekidsnetwork.org.uk, alternatively you can click the link below to apply