GET INVOLVED

Volunteer

We are a small but busy team, and we love inviting people to bring their gifts and skills into our office and schools work. Our chaplains and Third Space team need volunteers who can create resources, join workshop days, or train as school mentors.

We are always looking for volunteers, so if you are interested, click below to register.

register your interest

What our volunteers say

  • "It feels that you’re a valued part of a talented team that is passionate about taking God’s word to the children and young people in our schools - to have opportunities to interact with the youngsters, helping them with activities and to expand their knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith in a fun way."

    Di Webb

  • "I left paid employment looking for something to do which would help the community. I approached the Bridge because I knew they did amazing work in local schools supporting children and staff. started off helping with fundraising and have moved onto helping children learn about money, this autumn I hope to be a mentor to year six children to help them navigate the change to senior school."

    Michael Neve

 

Why volunteer as a Mentor with the Bridge?

Our chaplaincy model is built on seeing, knowing and loving the children and young people in our schools and communities. Being a listening presence in busy school life is a gift that genuinely lifts young people's wellbeing and outlook.

If this resonates and you have an hour a week to give, consider volunteering as a Mentor with The Bridge Project.

What does a Mentor do?

A Mentor spends typiccally 30-45 minutes with a child in a Primary School as local to you as possible, working alongside a Bridge Chaplain. You will be trained to deliver an 8-10 week programme using our resource, My Happy Place, written specifically for mentoring sessions.

At the heart of it is the relationship between Mentor and mentee.

As a Mentor, you:

  • Act as a sounding board

  • Offer wisdom and encouragement

  • Help children build resilience and reduce anxiety, so they can find their "Happy Place"

  • Have fun!

Is the ‘My Happy Place’ resource a Christian resource?

No, the "My Happy Place" resource has no religious content and you do not need to be a Christian to deliver it. It's open to children in Year 5 and 6, of any faith or none, and is used in both Church and Community Schools.

It fits the gap for children who feel anxious, worried or overwhelmed, and would benefit from someone listening, cheering them on, and offering tools and strategies to help them experience life in all its fullness. It's not suitable for children with a mental health need that should be met by a mental health professional.

 

How do I become a Mentor?

If that all still sounds great to you and something really worthwhile and wholesome then you’ll want to know what to do next. Our volunteer Mentors are looked after and trained by Anne, our dedicated Mentor Co-ordinator.  If you complete the online form (link below), she will contact you and start the process of getting you on board and mentoring.  This will involve a chat about the mentoring role and your suitability, as well as some safeguarding checks - as you would expect working with children.  After some training, sorting of logistics and introductions we can get you going with your first mentee.  Anne and the school’s chaplain will be there to help and support you on the way.

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Our schools

  • Chaplaincy in schools

    Through mentoring, clubs, workshops, prayer spaces, collective worship and individual support, our chaplains help young people grow in wellbeing, spirituality and hope.

    Find out more

  • The Third Space

    Working alongside local churches and community partners, The Third Space is where young people can belong, build friendships and explore faith.

    Find out more