Become a Mentor. Change a Life.
Could you be a Mentor
for a Young Carer?
Our Development Mentors are matched one-to-one with a Young Carer for ongoing support. You’ll meet regularly, usually once a month, to talk, set goals, and help them explore what’s possible beyond their caring role.
You don’t need to be a teacher or a professional youth worker. What matters most is that you’re a good listener, open-minded, and committed to showing up. We’ll support you with training, resources, and regular check-ins throughout the journey.
Volunteer with
YCDT
Volunteers are at the heart of YCDT. By giving your time, skills, and experience, you can make a real difference in the lives of Young Carers — helping them to thrive and reach their full potential.
Mentoring isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, asking the right questions, and believing in someone.
Hear from our mentors
Volunteering as a mentor is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in a young person’s life. It’s a chance to build a genuine, lasting connection, give something back to your community, and develop new skills and confidence along the way. By supporting a Young Carer, you’ll not only help them to thrive but also experience personal growth and fulfilment yourself.
Here’s what some of our mentors have to say about their journeys and the impact mentoring has had on them.
Become a
Development Mentor
Our Development Mentors provide consistent, long-term support to young carers aged 14+. Through regular 1:1 meetings, you’ll help them balance caring responsibilities with education, ambitions, and personal growth.
What you’ll do:
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Build a supportive, trusting relationship over several years
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Help set and achieve goals for education, training, and employment
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Offer encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear
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Share opportunities and open doors to new experiences
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Attend YCDT training, events, and mentor support sessions
Key information:
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Voluntary role with expenses covered
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Meet every 4-6 weeks, plus training and events
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Safeguarding is essential – DBS check and training provided
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Full support from YCDT staff and mentor network
What we’re looking for
You don’t need to be a professional mentor — just someone who is reliable, approachable and committed. Many of our mentors bring experience from education, healthcare, business, or community work, but above all we value people who:
Believe in Young Carers and their potential
Can listen with empathy and without judgement
Are dependable and able to commit time regularly
Enjoy helping others to grow in confidence and ambition
Did you know?
Young Carers without support like YCDT’s are 4x more likely to drop out of university or college
The difference
you’ll make
Young Carers often sacrifice their own opportunities to care for someone at home. With your support, they can build confidence, achieve qualifications, and step into a future that reflects their talents and ambitions.
“I have always enjoyed talking with the young and hearing their views, their ambitions and interests. It might slow my decline into old age and stop me becoming a grumpy old man – I thought I could encourage and give a bit of confidence to a young person to achieve their ambitions” – Bryan, Development Mentor
“YCDT has had a huge impact on my life and supported me through my education excellently” – Ashleigh, YCDT Young Carer
Stay in the loop
We run regular mentor hubs, optional workshops, and events that mentors are invited to attend. These sessions are a great chance to connect with other volunteers and share experiences.
Interested in becoming a mentor?
If you’d like more information or are ready to apply, get in touch using the button below.
Helping Young Carers to build brighter futures
info@ycdt.org.uk 07368 366660
Young Carers Development Trust,
14 Queen Square,
Bath
BA1 2HN
The Young Carers Development Trust is a charity (1150197) and a company limited by guarantee (England and Wales No. 07771110)