The difference one mentor can make: Meet Dave
Our volunteer mentors come from all walks of life, but they all share one simple belief: that giving a young person your time can make a real difference. Mentoring isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about showing up, listening, and offering steady support in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming for children and young people.
Week by week, those small moments of connection help build trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging. And while every mentoring journey is unique, each one plays a part in helping young people feel seen, valued, and understood.
Meet Dave
Dave came to mentoring at a point in his life when he wanted to give something back. Drawn to Kids Inspire’s mission and the chance to support young people through difficult moments, he found that mentoring offered exactly the kind of meaningful connection he was looking for. With a love of the outdoors, a people‑focused nature, and a belief in the power of simply giving someone your time, Dave has become a steady and thoughtful presence for the young people he supports.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?
I was born in Essex and have lived locally all my life. I'm married with two grown up children and a young grandson.
I love Essex and the area in which we call home. We’re fortunate to live somewhere so connected; a short train ride takes you into London, while heading the other direction brings you to the coast with its beaches and salt marshes. Whether on a bike, or going for a walk, you can explore busy Essex towns, or wander through rural villages that feel almost untouched by modern life.
I love the outdoors and enjoy playing golf, walking and cycling. I'm also an avid follower of football and support Southend United FC, who I watch whenever they play at home.
What inspired you to become a volunteer mentor?
I know it’s a cliché, but as my career was drawing to a close, I felt a real desire to give something back. I knew I wanted to support a charity that focused on young people, and Kids Inspire caught my attention. Its mission and goals ticked all the boxes. I explored various volunteer opportunities within the charity and, being a people person, I was particularly interested in the mentoring programme. It felt like a meaningful way to help young people who have been through difficult situations.
What do you enjoy most about being a mentor?
The best part of mentoring is giving a young person the most precious thing I can offer: time. Undivided time to listen, and to interact on a one-to-one basis without the usual distractions of daily life. Sometimes that means chatting over a drink, going for a walk in the park or countryside, playing board games, or doing something like bowling or an outdoor activity. Whatever the setting or activity, quality time is the key factor.
How would you describe what a mentor does to someone who’s never heard of it before?
I would describe being a mentor as the ability to listen without always needing to give advice, and knowing when is the right moment to contribute, or gently guide the conversation. Mentoring is rooted in stability – spending time with your mentee regularly and consistently. For many young people, that routine becomes an important source of structure and routine.
There’s also a personal benefit: mentoring encourages self‑reflection. By listening to someone else’s experiences, it else makes you think of your own life and how you interact with those around you - family, friends and others you come into contact with.
Can you share a moment from your mentoring experience that really stayed with you?
As mentors, we talk with our mentees about what’s happening in their lives - at home, at school, and everything in between. Those conversations include sharing our own thoughts and experiences too.
Recently, one mentee completely surprised me by turning the tables; he mentioned that he’d been thinking about how I must have felt over the weekend when my football team lost an away match. It was such a mature and thoughtful moment, that a young person was concerned for me. I drove home that day knowing we’d made a genuine connection, which felt incredibly rewarding.
What have you learned about children and young people through mentoring?
“Children and young people are wonderfully unpredictable; no two are the same, and that uniqueness is what makes up the rich and diverse fabric of our society.”
Since becoming a mentor, I’ve learned that there’s no single approach that works for everyone. Our personalities are shaped by our upbringing, our relationships, the institutions around us, and the experiences life throws our way.
What would you say to someone who's thinking about becoming a mentor but isn't sure yet?
My advice to anyone thinking about mentoring is simple: try it. What have you got to lose. The fear of the unknown is always bigger than the reality! Most mentors are just ordinary folk who want to help and make a difference; the outcomes make every bit of effort feel worthwhile.
And remember you’re never going into this alone. After the formal training provided by Kids Inspire, you’ll also have the support, guidance and shared experiences of other mentors, along with ongoing monthly support from the Kids Inspire Mentoring Team.
What does being part of Kids Inspire and supporting children’s mental health mean to you?
Kids Inspire feels like a big family - it draws you in and becomes part of who you are -into your DNA. Once you join the team, you quickly discover a whole range of other volunteering opportunities that support Kids Inspire and all the good work they do. I never imagined I’d get involved in the Christmas Appeal and find myself wrapping presents in November, but there I was and picking up new skills, even at my age!
You can find out more about volunteering opportunities on our Volunteering page, including mentoring. The best way to stay up to date is to join our mailing list.