Phil White tells us about the vision of the charity to see young people supported at tough times and to connect communities.
“Our main aim is to connect communities in Southwark together. Opening up opportunities for young people to re-engage with their communities and for communities to understand and hear the young people…”
Name
Phil White
Organisation and Job role
Director at Step Out Mentoring.
What does your organisation do?
Our vision is to see children and young people supported through tough times and empowered with the skills and emotional resilience to thrive in life and play positive roles in their communities. We support children and young people who have been struggling with mental health issues in the shadow of Covid-19. These young people will have been struggling with complex issues exacerbated by the pandemic, and so a safe outdoor based program opens up opportunity to re-build resilience and confidence, as well as helping them to re-engage with their families, schools and wider communities. We work to support them in forging a way through life, encouraging them to thrive and become positive change makers in their communities.
How does your organisation support and benefit the Southwark community?
Our main aim is to connect communities in Southwark together. Opening up opportunities for young people to re-engage with their communities and for communities to understand and hear the young people that live amongst them.
What are you working on, is there anything you would like to highlight?
Our model of working relies on our fabulous volunteers stepping forward and saying they can commit to standing with a young person for 12 months. We are always in need of new volunteer mentors especially those that represent the diverse communities that make up Southwark. We have a special need for more male mentors to come forward as well. You will receive training and ongoing support throughout the mentoring and have lots of opportunities to try new experiences yourself such as snowboarding, skiing, horse riding, camping, skateboarding to name just a few. It’s extremely rewarding for all those involved.
Quote from a beneficiary of Oasis Hub Waterloo:
“I wanted to say thank you so much for the mentoring programme and trips I’ve been on, its made me the happiest I’ve been in a while.”- 14 year old male mentee.
How did you hear about Community Southwark?
We were recommended Community Southwark by some other youth organisations we work with.
How has Community Southwark supported you?
Community Southwark have been great, from providing funding opportunities, advising job roles for us but mostly they keep us connected in to what else is happening in our sector across Southwark.
What difference has Community Southwark made to your charity?
Its enabled us to feel part of a wider network. It has encouraged us as we hear about all the amazing work going on across Southwark.
How can people get support from your organisation?
Young people can be referred to our mentoring programme. Local residents can contact us to find out about volunteering with us. But the best way is to get in touch with us and ask us questions. We are always open to people finding out what we do.
How can people find out more about what you do?
Instagram/ twitter- @stepoutmentors
Email – info@step-out.org.uk
Step Out Mentoring website:
www.step-out.org.uk
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For any queries, please email: info@communitysouthwark.org
