Y's Girls Volunteer Mentor

Y’s Girls is a mentoring programme in Bradford that supports girls aged 9–14 who may be at risk of developing mental health and wellbeing challenges.

The programme connects girls with trained volunteer mentors who offer a safe space to talk, build confidence, and take part in positive activities that promote wellbeing and self-belief.

Working in partnership with schools, social workers, and local organisations, Y’s Girls Bradford helps girls strengthen their resilience, confidence, and sense of belonging through regular, consistent mentoring relationships.

Each mentor meets weekly with their young person over a 6–9 month period, taking part in fun, meaningful activities and conversations that encourage growth and trust. All volunteers receive full training, ongoing support, and a DBS check at no cost.

Together, we’re helping girls across Bradford feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Email (volunteer@bradfordymca.org.uk)

Skills

• We require no formal qualifications.

• You will be able to reflect on life experiences where you personally have faced difficulties and challenges in life, with which you gained essential learning and understanding about many of the experiences that a young person will face.

• Mentors will need to be able to show empathy to a young person and see things from the perspective of the young person. It will be important to help the young person develop empathy for others.

• A good mentor will not be judgemental towards a young person. There will be times that mentors will disagree with choices being made and behaviour patterns, however maintaining a trusting relationship relies on mentors avoiding making judgements and avoiding criticising the young person.

• It is important that mentors show a motivation to see children and young people succeed in life. Often this can be expressed as an understanding of the difficulties and challenges vulnerable young people might face. It can also be reflected in a mentor looking beyond the behaviour of a young person to see the root causes, to see the reasons why they may be behaving this way. The mentor wherever possible seeks to encourage and praise the positive decisions and changes young people make.

• Good communication skills and a good listener.

• Able to complete paperwork accurately and on time (training will be given)

• Good time keeping and reliable - an essential quality for the young people to trust you.

• Knowledge of Issues facing young girls In Bradford and a willingness to learn.