West Dunbartonshire youth charity appeals for mentors to kids in care
Y Sort It says experiences that most of us take for granted - like going to the cinema - are something care-experienced children have never done
A youth charity in West Dunbartonshire is appealing for mentors to offer life-changing companionship to care-experienced children across the region.
Y Sort It is a youth-led organisation which offers support for young people who are in the care system or in kinship care.
In the last few years, the charity has seen the number of kids who need support soar and is now hoping to attract more people to become mentors.
A mentor is a volunteer who is specially matched with a child between the age of 8 and 14, to visit once a week.
The charity offers a budget to take the child out to experiences that many of us may take for granted - like going to the cinema, to McDonalds drive-thru or bowling.
Mentors can also do activities like baking or cooking with the children in the charity's hub in Clydebank.
However the surge in need has meant the charity is struggling to offer support.
Increased demand
Mentor support worker, Gemma Subryan, said: "I think within West Dunbartonshire there's an increased demand for the service.
"It's getting bigger and bigger because awareness is spreading, there are more and more referrals which is fantastic.
"To match the demand, we need more mentor volunteers.
"Just now we have around 30 children, and of them, there are around 8 that are matched with mentors.
"There is quite a difference there, and we're struggling to meet the demand of the number of children being matched with the service and volunteer numbers.
"We probably all had that one teacher, scout leader, football coach or whoever who motivated and inspired us.
"If we can give these children that one special person it'll help motivate them to be who they want to be, and really, the sky is the limit."
The charity says experiences are vital for children who often lack stability in their lives, and it can help them to develop the confidence they need to succeed.
'You're helping shape their future'
Kinship carer coordinator, Callum Shipcott, said: "Going out for lunch, a McDonalds or to the cinema can be really day-to-day or week-to-week things for us, but we've had young people who've never been to the cinema before.
"They've gone with a mentor, and come back and said it was the best day of their life.
"Just having someone who believes in them, who lets them be who they want to be is maybe that positive influence that they've never experienced in their life - being that person plays a massive role.
"You're helping shape the future for them and helping them build confidence."
The charity is running two events in Bonhill Community Centre(6th March) and the Clydebank Hub (5th March) where anyone with questions about mentoring can come and enjoy a warm meal and a hot drink.
Those looking to sign up can contact Y Sort It on 0141 941 3308 or info@ysortit.com.