Finding a Mentor
What is SOVA?
SOVA is a voluntary organisation that recruits, trains and manages volunteer mentors. SOVA's mission is to increase the involvement of local communities as volunteers working in crime reduction, and offender rehabilitation. It is SOVA's vision that the people of those communities will actively seek to provide access to resources that offenders may use in developing their potential in society.
SOVA aims to promote community involvement in the care of offenders and young people at risk by providing a range of high quality schemes and services.
SOVA has projects throughout England & Wales, working within Prisons, Youth Offending Teams, the Probation Service and Social Service Departments. We deliver "befriending" and "mentoring" activities depending on the focus of the project.
What is Staffordshire Leaving Care Mentoring Project?
The project is a partnership between SOVA and Staffordshire Children & Lifelong Learning Through Care Service. The project provides volunteer mentors for young people like you who are leaving care.
What is a Volunteer Mentor?
A Volunteer Mentor is someone from the local community who gives his or her time for free; volunteers do not get paid and are different to your Personal Advisor or Social Worker. Volunteer mentors are an 'extra' Leaving Care service.
Why do people become Volunteer Mentors?
People volunteer for lots of reasons. Some may want to work with young people as a job and want work experience, some are unemployed and want to do something worth while with their time. Many people volunteer simply because they want to help.
Who can volunteer for the project?
Not just anyone! Our volunteers have to go through a recruitment process just like they would if they applied for a job. They have to complete an accredited training course during which they will be assessed to make sure they are suitable to work with you, and have the right skills to help.
Can I choose my Volunteer?
Unfortunately, it is not possible for you to choose who you have as your mentor, but we do our best to make sure you have someone you will get along with. For example, if you like football or music, we will try to find you a volunteer who does too. To help us to do this, you can tell us a bit about yourself.
What would I do with my Volunteer?
This is really up to you and your Personal Advisor to decide. Volunteers can help with many things: they can help you look for college courses or jobs; they could support you to attend interviews or appointments; or help you with budgeting. Your volunteer is also someone you can talk to, they will to listen to you and offer support and guidance. Your volunteer will not tell you what to do or judge you.
Your mentor will not tell the project or your leaving care worker everything about you, but they must give an idea of what you have discussed e.g. 'employment' or 'personal issues'. If your mentor is worried or concerned about you they will share this with project staff or your personal Advisor.
If you discuss the following with your mentor we must tell your Personal Advisor
• That you have been hurt or feel unsafe in anyway
• That you have or are going to commit a crime
How do I get a Volunteer Mentor?
You can contact us directly, or speak to your Personal Advisor - they will contact us and we will find you a Volunteer. If you would like anymore information about the project you can speak to your Personal Advisor or contact Hannah Evans at:
Staffordshire Through Care Mentoring Project
Stafford Area Office
The Business Centre
Madford Retail Park
Foregate Street
Staffordshire County Council
ST16 2PA
E-mail: sova@staffordshire.gov.uk||
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