Associate feature: Mentoring, a lifeline for young people looked after at home

The intandem mentoring programme has continued to adapt during COVID-19 providing a lifeline for Scotland’s looked after children.

“If I didn’t have a mentor in my life, I think I would have been shut down in my room, sad and depressed”.

While the social limitations from the COVID-19 lockdown have been felt by everyone, for young people who are looked after and living at home the need for support and contact through regular mentoring has never been more needed.

intandem recruits, trains and matches mentors with young people looked after at home allowing them to build long-term, positive, trusting, and supportive relationships, helping them to thrive.

When COVID-19 hit, we were greatly concerned about the impact of lockdown on this group of young people, already isolated and living at home in potentially disruptive environments.

However, the programme has responded, and swiftly adapted to a blended service delivery model to ensure contact continues by weekly video or telephone calls with young people and social distanced outside activities. Over 100 young people have consistently been supported every week by their mentor to stay motivated, vent frustrations during difficult times, talk about any concerns and have a bit of much needed fun.

As a result of COVID-19 we are anticipating intensified need for the programme across Scotland and we are determined to extend its reach and be there for even more children and young people who are looked after at home.

intandem is delivered by Inspiring Scotland in partnership with 12 charities each committed to supporting young people through mentoring. Please get in touch to find out about the opportunities to volunteer with intandem or how it can support more young people to fulfil their potential.

 www.intandem.scot

@intandemScot

Celia Tennant is chief executive of Inspiring Scotland