Family charity to launch mentoring service for Hackney care leavers

Support: the service has been providing mentors for over forty years. Image: Friendship Works

A family charity is to launch a new mentoring programme for care leavers in Hackney – and it’s on the lookout for volunteers.

Friendship Works, a service run by London-based charity Family Action, has been providing long-term mentoring to vulnerable youngsters for over forty years.

Now it is setting up a programme especially for young people leaving care across the capital, including in Hackney.

The service will introduce around 60 youngsters to volunteer mentors who can “offer them support and guidance through friendship”.

Care leaver Shalyce Lawrence urged people to get involved.

She said: “I grew up in care and I know from my own experience how scary and lonely it can be for a young person when it is time to leave the care system and go out into the world on your own.

“Having someone to offer support and guidance, and just be there for you to talk to can make a huge difference.”

Mentors offer both emotional support and practical help. They help youngsters develop the skills needed for independent living, such as budget management, cooking and DIY, and also help them talk about their worries and build up their confidence.

Shalyce added: “By being a mentor, you could help a care leaver feel less lonely and isolated, and make a significant difference to their life.”

Family Action’s chief executive David Holmes CBE. Photograph: Family Action

Family Action’s chief executive David Holmes told the Citizen: “It can be frightening, lonely and confusing for a young person who is leaving the care system, especially if they are without family or previous carers who they can turn to for advice, information or support.”

Commenting on the launch of the new service, he added: “Initially this is a three-year pilot. However, we will be working hard to extend the service to reach more care leavers in years to come.”

Volunteers will need to spare a few hours, three times a month, to be a mentor.

If you’re interested in volunteering or just want to find out more, please contact friendshipworks@family-action.org.uk