Volunteer mentors are wanted to make a difference and support vulnerable children and young people in North Somerset.

North Somerset Council is urgently looking for individuals to help with the Junction 21 Mentoring and Advocacy service, which provides aid to those aged 10 to 21.

The service is designed for youngsters placed in local authority care, those leaving care, or those at risk of offending or antisocial behaviour.

It pairs children and young people with mentors who can offer support, listen, and help them work towards their goals over a year.

The service is particularly keen to hear from men to act as positive role models.

Volunteers are expected to commit a couple of hours a week for at least 12 months.

In return, they will receive ongoing training, monthly group supervision, twice-yearly group events, and regular relationship reviews.

Before starting their mentoring role, volunteers will undergo 24 hours of training, delivered over eight three-hour sessions.

The next training course, which will run between 6pm and 9pm, is set to start on Wednesday, September 18, at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare.

To be eligible to volunteer, individuals must be over 21 years old, have no criminal offences in the past five years, and be free of any substance use issues for five years.

A care leaver and former Junction 21 mentee said: "My mentor really helped me become the person I am today.

"Junction 21 helped me to have a bright future because I had someone who believed in me when no one else did."

A current mentee added: "My mentor’s perfect, she’s a really good listener and always comes up with good plans."

Simone Woolley, a Junction 21 volunteer, said: "I’ve been mentoring for nearly a year now, and I have got a lot of satisfaction from working with a young person to help them to achieve their goals.

"It’s great to see them open up and flourish.

"And we get to do some great things together too, such as cooking, visiting museums, and playing sports.

"I highly recommend it if you have a couple of hours free every week."

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s deputy leader and the executive member for children’s services, families, and lifelong learning, said: "Being a Junction 21 mentor gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to a vulnerable child or young person’s life, and it is incredibly rewarding.

"We provide excellent ongoing training and support to all of our volunteers, so you have the skills and tools you need to be successful and feel confident as a mentor.

"If you have a couple of hours to spare each week and want to make a difference, please do get in touch with us – we’d love to hear from you."

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor should email junction21@n-somerset.gov.uk or call the team on 01275 888360.

More information about the scheme is also available on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/junction21.