This innovative and unique part of our programme is the cornerstone of the Key4Life model.
Since the launch of Key4Life, over 300 mentors from all walks of life have given their time for free to help young men onto a positive path. This is often the first time that our men have had an active role model in their lives.
As a mentor, you’ll help reduce the reoffending rate in young people. The key element of mentoring work involves supporting your participant, understanding and improving their underlying attitudes, behaviours and aspirations, whilst also addressing their confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
You will encourage young people to change for the better. Your advice, advocacy and targeted specialist support (where applicable) helps them turn their lives around. This approach is practical, holistic and provides Tools4Life.
But mentoring isn’t a one-person job – you always work with a wider team. Linking and signposting with partner organisations is also a big part of the job.
”It’s been a richly rewarding process for me, challenging previous ways of thinking and connecting with purpose, despite very different world views and backgrounds. It’s been an utter privilege to contribute in some small way to help Jay become the person he wants to be. The end of the programme won’t be the end of our relationship.”
Alistair Stuart Hunt – Hargreaves London
”I met my mentor every week and he was always so supportive.”
Jay – Key4Life Participant
Our mentors complete:
If you apply to become a mentor, you will receive:
MEET OUR MENTORS
CARON FRENCH
WILLIS TOWERS WATSON
Providing interview tips to her mentee Nathan prior to an Employability workshop.
JONATHAN MORRISH
With his mentee Shak at Abbey Road Studios.
NICK AUSTIN
BOUYGUES
”Key4Life has pointed to the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about. There are so many people with no hope. Key4Life says don’t give up.”
GEORGIA ALLINSON
KPMG
”Mentoring has helped me discover more about myself as well as supporting my mentee. A journey for both of us.”
JERRY MALE
BRISTOL PORT
”Mentoring with Key4Life has given me Friends, Understanding and Balance. There will be another three tomorrow!”
What is a Key4Life mentor?
A mentor can be anyone – at Key4Life we are pleased to say that our mentors come from all walks of life and as a result, bring a wide range of life experience to the table.
A mentor is someone who is committed to being present in the life of a young man, who can bring consistency, objectivity and openness to the relationship and act as a role model.
A mentor is always willing to walk alongside a young man and offer him support on his journey towards maturity and self-responsibility.
The process of mentoring with Key4Life is just as important as the outcome. ( We are currently only recruiting Mentors in the South West of England and London regions)
How does a young man benefit from a Key4Life mentor?
- A mentor’s contribution to a young man’s life can be profound especially as over 70% of our young men have not had a father present growing up
- Many of our young men are in serious need of someone who believes in them, someone who is dependable and will cultivate a relationship based on trust and positive outcomes
- Fostering these key elements non-judgementally can boost a young man’s idea of his own self-worth helping him be prepared, emotionally and practically, for job interviews and ultimately, gainful employment
What does the training involve?
- Three sessions with our in-house trainers, Dave Gardner and Nick Oakley-Smith. Between them, they cover all aspects of mentoring from the practical to the psychological
- Meet the Team meeting to introduce prospective mentors to our Key4Life colleagues
- At present, these training sessions are held online via Zoom (90 mins)
What follow up support is offered?
- Each mentor is allocated a mentor manager and caseworker to support them through their journey with their young man
- Every six weeks we run a mentor support meeting and the Key4Life team are always there to support
How long is my relationship for?
- For Prison programmes we ask for a 1-year commitment
- For At Risk programmes, the commitment is six months
Recent research* results
- 9 in 10 mentors say they have developed skills as a result of their training and would recommend the experience to others
- 87% of mentors want to stay in touch with Key4Life and 75% would offer their services again
“We have seen it time and time again that the skills developed through mentoring help in both the mentor’s personal and professional life”
(*Independent research conducted by Bean Partnership, spring 2002)
If I’m interested, what are the next steps?
Please do approach us.
Fill out the request below to fill out an application form or contact us directly.