Grandmentors

  • Running in various locations across England and Scotland
  • Inter-generational mentoring for young care leavers, helping them get on in life

Our award-winning Grandmentors programme transforms the lives of young adults through the emotional and practical support of our older, world-wise volunteers. Grandmentors provide a vital link for young people as they navigate life after care. Our Grandmentors come from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life. This enables them to understand and meet the range of needs of their mentees.

Our trained volunteers, aged 50 and over, forge trusting and positive relationships that support, challenge and empower mentees to unlock their own skills and to shape their own futures.

We provide training, ongoing support and expenses for Grandmentors. You don’t need any special skills or qualifications to be a Grandmentor. You just need some life experiences and a willingness to support someone who needs a bit of help.

Explore the volunteer opportunities available

"/

Interested in becoming a Grandmentor? Or want to find out how your business help support young people in your area? Apply for the opportunities below or get in touch with the team!

Every year, approximately 11,000 sixteen to eighteen-year-olds leave foster or residential care in England. Far too many do not go on to higher education or employment. All too often, they are deprived of support and opportunity. 41% of care leavers aged 19-21 years across England are not in education, employment or training.

Running in locations across England and Scotland. This includes (but not exclusively):

  • Brent
  • Greenwich
  • Hounslow
  • Islington
  • Ipswich
  • Lewisham
  • Merton
  • Midlothian
  • Milton Keynes
  • Perth and Kinross
  • Southend-on-Sea
  • Surrey
  • Telford and Wrekin
  • Warwickshire
  • Wiltshire
  • Wolverhampton

Our Grandmentors team won the “Leaving Care Award” at The National Children and Young People’s Awards at the ICC in Birmingham, on 6th October 2022.

An award logo for The National Children & Young People Award for 2022 which features icons of 4 people with their arms in the air

This report shows the impact of our volunteers and young people involved in our Grandmentors Programme in 2023.

Grandmentors Impact Report

Grandmentors and mentees from Ipswich share their stories

“It is simply amazing to know that there is a local, truly supportive person who will always want to help me” Cole, a young Care Leaver from Ipswich

Current volunteering opportunities

Grandmentors Volunteer (Brent)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Hounslow)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Islington)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Ipswich)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Lewisham)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Milton Keynes)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Midlothian)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Merton)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Perth & Kinross)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Southend)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Telford & Wrekin)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Warwickshire)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Wiltshire)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Wolverhampton)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Surrey)

Full details

Grandmentors Volunteer (Greenwich)

Full details
Share this project
Get in touch if you’re interested in volunteering or would like to refer someone to this programme.

Thank you to our Grandmentors funders

Milton Keynes Council
Southend on Sea
Brent Council
City of Wolverhampton Council
Islington Council
Lewisham Council
London Borough of Hounslow
Merton Council
Perth and Kinross Council
Newcastle City Council
Warwickshire County Council
Back to top of the page