GoldStar - Snapshot Bolton - Promoting good practice in managing volunteers from socially excluded groups

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GoldStar - Promoting good practice in managing volunteers from socially excluded groups

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Project	Description
Bolton Lads & Girls Club	Helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to realise their potential

The Mentoring Project initially began in April 1997, as a direct result of growing concerns from staff and volunteers within the Club. It had become more and more noticeable that many of the young people that attended the evening youth club were experiencing a wide range of complex issues leading to social disaffection. The Club realised that these youngsters needed some additional support from someone who was credible in terms of being a non-professional. This led to the formation of the Project.

Many who participate in the Project are those classed as disaffected, disadvantaged, vulnerable and at risk by the professionals referring them. The project aims to break this cycle before the youngsters reach crisis point by providing an adult volunteer mentor, to befriend them. The strength of the project, and indeed its uniqueness, is the guidance, support and relationship provided by committed volunteer mentors from the local community.
The Project has been very successful at recruiting local volunteer mentors , with about 140 currently in place. In addition to a range of clear recruitment procedures potential volunteers are provided with a Mentor Portfolio Handbook.

In addition to comprehensive induction training, appropriately experienced Mentors are also offered a full structured internal Mentor Training Programme, which is now accredited through the Open College Network. The first group of volunteer mentors recently achieved a Level 3 Mentoring Skills Qualification. This opportunity is also available to external organisations.

Procedures for ongoing and consistent Mentor support are in place, particularly at critical stages in the 'volunteer life cycle'. This is considered an essential element when retaining mentors and providing them with a positive experience whilst mentoring for the project.

The project has established a very good reputation and credibility within the town, built on commitment to the provision of personal development opportunities for young people and agreement of a long-term strategy and funding plan. This includes provision of a new £4.5 million building.

Comprehensive records of volunteers are maintained through a database recording and management information system. This is a bespoke development based on a Microsoft Access platform.

The project has established a highly developed referral system and no longer needs to promote the project to encourage referrals, with 116 children and young people on the waiting list for mentoring support.

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