The main responsibilities of a mentor are to:

• Facilitate mentor sessions in line with The Proud Trust’s values.
• Facilitate regular interactions with a young person (approx. 30-45 minutes at a time)
• Actively listen to the young person allowing them time and space to speak openly.
• Provide non-judgemental and non-directive support during sessions.
• Provide clear, factual and realistic information where appropriate.
• Encourage the young person to think about their future in a positive and proactive way, setting goals together and regularly checking in on progress.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow The Proud Trust’s Safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant policies at all times.
• Record all interactions and flag any concerns in a timely manner and in line with The Proud Trust record-keeping guidance.

Due to the nature of the work and the importance of consistency for young people, we ask that mentors commit to the programme for a minimum of one year.

For more information on specific responsibilities, please contact proudmentors@theproudtrust.org for a full role description.

No, mentoring is open to volunteers and young people from across the UK. Please note that attendance will be required for both training sessions which will take place at The Proud Place in Manchester city centre (contributions to travel costs provided).

For outside Greater Manchester, please consider your travel and accommodation plans before signing up for the training. We are happy to discuss this with you and support with any arrangements.

The mentor programme is only open to volunteers within the UK although we welcome the support from people outside the UK and would encourage you to explore our website to see what other ways you can support and promote the work we do:  https://www.theproudtrust.org/support-us/

When recruitment is live, the process will be:

• Applicants complete an expression of interest form.
• Successful applicants will be invited to an informal group interview which will be held online.
• If successful in the interview stage, applicants will be asked to attend in-person training which will cover the role of a mentor, inclusive language, safeguarding, record keeping and active listening skills.

If you would like to submit an application in an alternative format to the expression of interest form e.g. a video, a phone call or an in-person meeting, please contact us on proudmentors@theproudtrust.org.

We want to ensure our application process is accessible. Please contact us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can put in place to ensure the recruitment process is accessible for you e.g. individual interviews, closed captions, paper copies of the application form. 

At the end of the training, we will ask you to sign a mentor agreement which outlines The Proud Trust’s commitment to mentors and what we expect from you.

During the application process you will be asked to provide some personal information which will include:

• Proof of identity
• Details of 2 references (with at least one being from your current or previous employment or voluntary role and both being able to comment on your suitability for the role of a mentor)
• Any and all information needed to process an enhanced DBS certificate. If you have any questions about the DBS process or would like to discuss this further please contact us at proudmentors@theproudtrust.org

Guidance and information regarding the sensitive application route for transgender applicants can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transgender-applications

Once you have completed the Proud Mentors training you will be ready to be paired with a young person.

We aim to pair mentors and young people based on a variety of things, such as:

• Information shared throughout the application and training process
• Your mentor profile
• Shared interests and experiences
•  Potential for knowledge sharing
• The young person’s preferences

Mentors will only be paired with one young person at a time for a minimum of 6 sessions (there is no maximum number of sessions – this will be dependent on the needs of the young person). The length of time it takes to pair you will depend on the number of referrals we are receiving for the mentor programme. We ask that you still engage with refresher training and Proud Mentors days whilst you are waiting to be paired.

All mentor interactions run digitally via video call. You will be given your own Proud Trust log in details and training on the video platform before being paired with a young person. You will need good WiFi/data connectivity, good hardware (ideally a computer with good audio and video), and a confidential space from which to call.

We can offer further training and/or facilitate sessions for any mentors unfamiliar with technology.

If any of the above is a barrier to you becoming a mentor, please let us know as part of your expression of interest so that we can further discuss how we can support you. You can also contact us on proudmentors@theproudtrust.org.

Any adult, over the age of 21 who identifies as LGBTQ+ who is able to offer regular one-to-one support to an LGBTQ+ young person. You must be able to actively listen and support young people, using the training provided to create a supportive and non-judgemental space.

LGBTQ+ covers all identities that come under the umbrella of ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Plus’ including, but not limited to, people who are queer, questioning (their sexuality or gender), asexual, aromantic, pansexual, intersex, and non-binary.

While we appreciate the support and experience of allies (people who do not identify as LGBTQ+ but proactively support LGBTQ+ rights and LGBTQ+ people), young people have told us that they will benefit more from talking to someone they know has lived experiences of being LGBTQ+.  Allies are welcome (and encouraged) to support The Proud Trust and the young people we work with in other ways, for more information please visit our website: www.theproudtrust.org/support-us

Once you have completed training, your time commitment will mainly be the regular sessions with your mentee, which will include completing a short form at the end of each interaction. We will also hold monthly, online group supervision sessions and Proud Mentors Days twice a year. We ask that mentors attend a minimum of four group-supervision sessions and one Proud Mentors day a year.

A member of staff will also regularly check-in with you to ensure you have everything you need and offer any further support or training.

You can contact us on proudmentors@theproudtrust.org to discuss mentoring with a member of staff or you can come and chat to us on Proud Connections Live Chat here.