Mentoring

Do you remember your very first mentor? The person who inspired you to be the best version of you, reach for your goals and achieve your dreams?

The Mentoring programme provides one-to-one support for vulnerable or at-risk young people in the Chorley area.

Our mentors build relationships with members and offer guidance and advice on a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations – ultimately, our mentors give young people someone to talk to when they need it most. 

Through building a trusting, reliable relationship we can support young people through difficult periods in their life and support them to build their self-confidence, self-esteem and resilience. We work with young people to identify targets they want to work towards, have a voice, feel empowered and create positive memories. 

If you are working with a young person and you think the Mentoring Service would benefit them, please find some more information below…

We accept referrals from all agencies; however, the young Person MUST be open to an Early Help or receiving support from Children’s Social Care. We work with young people aged 11 – 17 years old who live in Chorley. We also consider referrals for those young people who attend a school/college in Chorley and the local area.

Sam's Story

Sam joined our Mentoring programme, a structured 1-to-1 relationship to provide support, advice and guidance. This programme helps mentees to develop their skills and achieve their goals, supported by a wide range of resources and activities relating to personal development, education and career pathways.

Sam was mentored by Inspire volunteer Simon, who volunteered to help Sam stay positive, motivated and believe in himself. Sam was very quiet, didn’t talk much and seldom left his bedroom. They soon learnt that they had a mutual interest in the board game chess. Playing chess improves your cognitive skills and it allowed Sam to better cope with the current situation and control his additional needs. A game of chess can develop your problem-solving skills and occupies the mind in a positive way which kept Sam regularly engaged and involved.

‘’Sam is a gifted tactician and always has a plan up his sleeve.’’ Simon says. The regular games of chess have boosted Sam’s creativity and organizational skills whilst maintaining a healthy and productive activity for them to talk comfortably. 

Sam would bring his personal chess set and they played for up to an hour every week. After the 12-week programme Sam’s mental health has improved significantly, he is more confident and “enjoys it when his plan comes off” says mentor Simon. “When we have our sessions he communicates really well, we have a laugh and I believe he has started being more active and outgoing at home as well.” Sam has been regularly engaging with the Youth Zone and is continuing to take an interest in chess.

Ryan powell

head of operations

Hi, I’m Ryan and I’m the Head of Operations at Inspire Youth Zone.

Email: ryan.powell@inspireyouthzone.org