Having raised over £5000 during its Christmas Challenge appeal, local charity, The Door, is now recruiting volunteers for its award winning Mentoring scheme. Established in 1991, The Door is the leading youth and families organisation in the Stroud District, supporting over 1000 people every year.

The mentoring scheme enables young people to have a dedicated person to listen, support and encourage them to make good choices for their future.

The funds raised during the week-long campaign will cover the cost of training and supervision for 24 new mentors. Volunteers must be over 18, and are welcomed from all backgrounds, no previous experience is required.

Current volunteer, Charlotte Smith, knows all too well the benefits of having a mentor. “I first came to The Door when I was 17 – I was struggling with an anxiety disorder and I was unable to control and understand my feelings.

“Meeting a mentor for the first time made me nervous and anxious, but the mentor made me at ease quite quickly. My mentor helped me learn how to trust my own guidance and opinion, I had somebody to unload all the baggage I carry on a daily basis and I had somebody who listened to all the big stuff but the small too. I have learnt how to listen to others and to better myself as a person.

“Having a mentor also challenged me to think about giving something back. Becoming a mentor myself means I can give the support that I received when I needed it the most; giving others the chance to grow and figure things out with a friendly and non-biased voice. My mentor really inspired me and encouraged me to push myself into places I never thought I’d get to. I want to be that encouragement for someone else!”

Volunteers give an hour or two each week, at a time and place convenient to them and their mentee.

Click here to download a form or call 01453 756745 and talk to a member of the team about the opportunities available to you.

All volunteers are subject to references and enhanced police checks.