YMCA Tayside is looking to recruit further volunteers as part of the Y’s Girls Mentoring programme which seeks to pair an adult volunteer with a young girl aged 9-14 years old. Together, the mentor and mentee will meet on a weekly basis in which the young person will receive help and support in order to lessen the risk of developing mental health issues.

During their weekly sessions, volunteer mentor and their young person can share their interests and get to know each other. This can include taking part in activities like baking, going for walks, visiting a local café or playing board games. After three months of consistent and regular sessions, the young person can begin to formulate some goals in which the volunteer mentor can help them achieve. The overall aim is that the mentoring sessions will be a positive experience for the young person and inspire them to make more positive choices.

Jill McGrath, Chief Executive of YMCA Tayside, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching this vital mentorship and support programme to vulnerable young women and girls in and around Tayside, and would love to hear from anyone locally who would be keen to get involved.

“We are all too aware that mental health issues amongst children and young people are rising dramatically, and so the chance to offer that much needed time and support at such a critical stage is invaluable.”

Each mentor will be trained by YMCA Tayside and will meet up with their young person over the course of a year. YMCA Tayside are hopeful that individuals in the local community will show interest in this rewarding volunteer role and become a mentor for a young girl.

Alyxs Dellaquaglia, project coordinator for Y’s Girls at YMCA Tayside, was interviewed by STV news and was given the opportunity to discuss everything you need to know about becoming a mentor. You can watch that video here.

To gain additional information or to get involved, contact alyxs@ymcatayside.com