CAN Mentoring Project
Because YOU CAN!
We understand that sometimes things which might appear to be easy for some people are not easy for everyone, all the time. At different points in our lives, we all experience barriers to pursuing our goals, being motivated or taking part in activities outside of our comfort zone. Often, sharing your experiences of challenges with another person or asking for help can be a step towards overcoming them.
The CAN project helps 16-25 year olds from Newcastle and Gateshead who may require support to transition into adulthood or make steps towards improving their confidence and reducing isolation. CAN aim to support young adults to overcome any barriers affecting them to move forward in their lives.
A mentor programme with a difference, it connects them with someone who can provide assistance tailored to their needs and ambitions. In the past, the programme has helped young people to:
– access different support services to improve their living situation –
– settle into independent living –
– attend community activities they did not feel confident to participate in alone –
– identify positive ways to grow their social networks –
– explore their hopes and goals for the future –
Want to hear from someone who has taken part? Read Omar and Kim’s experience of the CAN project.
If you are a young person who could benefit from a CAN mentor:
A CAN mentor will be matched with you based on what you want to get out of the project, and your interests and experiences. So, whether you want someone to talk to, someone to help you take part in activities or to connect with others, CAN is here to support you… because YOU CAN!
Applications can be made via our online application form, or if you would like to talk to someone first, contact the team at [email protected].
If you know a young person who could benefit from a CAN mentor:
If you think the CAN project could benefit a young person you know, we can accept referrals onto the project. Whether you’re a parent, carer, youth worker, teacher or health practitioner, after referral we can work with you and the young person to understand and explain how the project could help them.
Referral applications can be made via our online application form, or if you would like to talk to someone first, contact the team at [email protected].
If you would like to volunteer to be a CAN mentor:
Children North East are inviting individuals over the age of 18 to help us support young people by volunteering their time as a CAN mentor. For only a few hours a week, you could provide a life-changing experience to someone when they need it most. Mentors will be carefully paired with a young person by our team based on their experiences and interests. Each mentorship could last up to 12 to 15 sessions and could include listening and signposting young people to further support around any problems they are facing, attending activities and other types of support with them and/or exploring what they are good at or interested in.
All volunteer mentors will be given the opportunity to undertake Accredited training and have expenses paid.No previous experience is required and you will be given training and ongoing support from the CAN team as you undertake your role.
Mentor applications can be made via this online form, or if you would like to talk to someone first, contact the team at [email protected].
Why Children North East?
Children North East exists because growing up can be hard. We create life-changing differences for babies, children and young people in their families, schools and communities. since 1891 we have worked across our region giving help to young people at the times it can make the biggest difference and for over 20 years we have run specialist services for teenagers and young adults out of our Youth People’s Service in the West End of Newcastle.
We work hard to ensure our services meet the needs of young people from a diverse range of backgrounds and needs, with resident expertise on LGBTQ+, SEND, Sexual Health and Gender Diversity, as well as on-site counsellors. Our organisation has long-standing experience of delivering impactful mentoring programmes, reaching hundreds of young people in 2020 through the CAN programme, peer-mentoring support and schools mentoring projects.