What being a volunteer mentor for Kids Inspire means to me

At Kids Inspire, our volunteer mentors make a big difference for young people. Each mentor brings a unique story and experience. They also bring time, patience, and care- helping children feel seen and supported. We love to share what inspired them to mentor, what they enjoy most, and why being there matters. When a child’s world feels upside down, having someone show up every week can mean everything.

Meet Aly

Aly first heard about mentoring through a friend who’s a child counsellor. It got her thinking about how young people are supported— and how hard it can be for them to speak up. Mental health has always mattered to her, and mentoring felt like a meaningful way to show up and help someone feel less alone.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?

I started my mentoring training just over a year ago with Kids Inspire. My professional background has always been rooted in account handling, music magazines, and marketing. These days, my partner and I run our own small business in PR and video production for music industry-related companies.

I’ve always loved being outdoors - exploring, spending time with animals, staying active, and enjoying quality time with close friends (though I also love meeting new people). In my free time, you’ll usually find me out walking, at the gym, practicing Tai Chi, or swimming at the lake. 

What inspired you to become a volunteer mentor?

“I liked the idea that I could be there for someone, even just to help them a little, and how that could make a difference in their life somehow.”

I have always been interested in the importance of mental health and how hard it is to express yourself - especially as a young person. Growing up, going to school, just navigating life - it can be really tough, and not everyone has the support they need. Asking for help, or even admitting how you feel, isn’t always easy. Luckily we’re more aware of mental health these days, and it’s being spoken about more openly.

I was speaking with a friend who’s a child counsellor and expressed my interest in her work. She suggested I look into volunteering to support young people, and pointed me in the direction of Kids Inspire.

I liked the idea that I could be there for someone, even just to help them a little, and how that could make a difference in their life.

What do you enjoy most about being a mentor?

Being a mentor has many rewards. Watching a young person change over the months, gaining your trust (and sometimes in other human beings), learning new things with them and them going away at the end of the session feeling happier and a bit better about life.

How would you describe what a mentor does to someone who’s never heard of it before?

A mentor is someone who is always there for them regularly – someone consistent in their life, giving them time because they choose to. Mentors don’t judge or give opinions. We start with a clean slate, knowing minimal details about their background. We just give time, a listening ear, and try to have fun!

Can you share a moment from your mentoring experience that really stayed with you?

After a few weeks of getting to know a mentee and gaining their trust, we started to have fun and some really good chats. When they jumped into my car smiling and said, ‘I have so much to tell you today!’—it was music to my ears. That first smile from them was like striking gold! 

What would you say to someone who's thinking about becoming a mentor but isn't sure yet?

If you can commit to giving your time to someone regularly - to be a non-judgemental ear, to listen and genuinely be interested in them - then the rewards are everything.

What does being part of Kids Inspire and supporting children’s mental health mean to you?

Kids Inspire is such an important charity to me because I believe young people are too often overlooked or labelled as ‘difficult’. People forget what it’s like to be that age and don’t always give them the space, time, and respect they need. The work this charity does is vital - not just for young people, but for their families and caregivers too. I’m so proud to be part of this incredible organisation. 

Families often tell us how important mentoring has been in their child’s journey. If this has inspired you to get involved and are interested in learning more about training to be a volunteer mentor, please get in touch by emailing mentoring@kidsinspire.org.uk. You can help a young person feel seen and supported with time, patience, and a willingness to listen.