REDDITCH charity Mentor Link has been appealing to men to become mentors in the area.

The charity provides volunteer mentors to support, listen and befriend young people in schools.

Andrea Maddocks, chief executive and founder of Mentor Link, said: “Our focus is on the needs of young people and I am always inspired by the great response we get from volunteers who want to help and support them. Our main outcomes for the young people are around self- esteem and relationships and helping them to feel more positive about learning.

“The charity is now looking to recruit more male volunteers to work with boys in the Redditch area for 30 minutes to an hour a week, and have experienced staff to train and support you in your role. The charity asks for a minimum of six months volunteering and successful completion of enhanced CRB clearance.”

Tony Bolton, a mentor for the charity, added: “I became a volunteer mentor back in 2010. Working as a volunteer mentor is a richly rewarding experience. It provides significant benefits and learning opportunities for the mentee – the young person being mentored and the mentor.

“Mentoring can involve a very diverse range of activities including support with reading, undertaking practical problem solving tasks, sporting activities, cooking and arts and crafts. The critically important factor in undertaking these activities is the ability to just listen.

“Fewer bonds in life are more influential than those between a young person and an adult.”

For more information on what’s involved, visit mentorlink.org.uk . Any men or women interested in mentoring, should contact Karen Arnold on 0787 5438659 or write to karen.arnold@mentorlink.org.uk.