Starting from September 2023, care leavers aged 16 to 25 in Hertfordshire will be offered support and guidance from trained volunteer mentors as they navigate the challenges of becoming independent adults. The two-year pilot programme will offer 60 care leavers one-to-one support from local volunteer mentors, developing their confidence and the skills needed for successful independent living. The programme will enhance SfYP’s current offer for care leavers, including those who are not in education, employment or training. SfYP will work in partnership with agencies supporting care leavers, using our referral mechanism to ensure all appropriate support is in place, including from a Practical Partners mentor.
Partnering with GoVolHerts, Services for Young People will recruit and train 30 volunteers who will serve as mentors for the care leavers. The help offered will be tailored to each person’s needs, covering the following areas:
- Emotional wellbeing
- Handling money and bills
- DIY skills and home management
- Coping with the challenges of being a parent
- Finding jobs, education, and training opportunities
For further information about Practical Partners or to express your interest in becoming a volunteer mentor, please contact practical.partners@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
GoVolHerts is a charity offering free support, best practice advice and volunteering opportunities to organisations across Hertfordshire.
Practical Partners is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by Services for Young People in partnership with GoVolHerts.