About Us

The team behind the Programme

About Us

Gloucestershire Mentoring Programme

GMP is a partnership of four charities that provides an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) trauma-informed intensive mentoring support service for young people in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire.  Specifically, we focus on those considered at risk of being linked to criminal activity.  This can be due to exposure to ACEs, experience of adverse community environments, involvement in antisocial behaviour, and/or being connected to others involved in crime.  We guide them through life’s challenges, supporting them to develop healthy choices, coping mechanisms and relationships – tools that help to prevent their involvement with the police.

Collaborating

Matching Young People and Mentors

GMP partners work together to ensure mentees and volunteer mentors are assigned to the partner organisation that’s most appropriate for them – often the one that’s most local.  All partners take time to get to know mentees before matching them with a suitable mentor, usually a volunteer.  Young people who are considered ‘higher risk’ may be matched with a paid member of staff.  All mentors receive appropriate training and support from their host organisation and are invited to attend the partnership’s online extended training events.

Collaborating

GMP is led by four organisations that have joined forces to provide crucial local support for young people in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. Our trained volunteer mentors work hand-in-hand with their mentees, fostering trusted relationships that lead to improved life outcomes.  And we offer additional support by working with other providers to bridge the gap between young people and the services they require.

Supporting

We offer a safe space where young people can build trusting relationships with supportive adults. Here, they can freely express themselves and be heard, and receive long-term support to tackle hurdles and journey towards a positive future.

Empowering

Our Programme equips young people with the tools they need to thrive. We provide practical and emotional support, helping them build resilience and confidence to face life’s challenges head-on.

Hover over a logo on the map for more information

The Door

Established in 1991, The Door is a community-based charity providing support to young people and families in the Stroud District and South Cotswold. We focus on individuals aged 11 to 18, offering a range of services to empower them and promote positive outcomes.

The Nelson Trust

The Nelson Trust is committed to providing trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and holistic support to individuals affected by addiction and their families across Gloucestershire. Our services cater to young people aged 14 to 25, ensuring they receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

Young Gloucestershire

Since 1941, Young Gloucestershire has been dedicated to supporting young people across Gloucestershire. Our GMP provision focusses on individuals aged 10 to 18, and includes additional support for higher risk young people.

1625 Independent People

1625IP is dedicated to preventing homelessness among young people in South Gloucestershire. Our services are tailored to individuals aged 16 to 25, providing support and resources to help them secure stable housing and build brighter futures.

The Partner Organisations

How the
collaboration works

Four charities work in harmony to deliver GMP – The Door, which also coordinates the Programme, The Nelson Trust, Young Gloucestershire and 1625 Independent People (1625ip).  Each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in working with young people, offering mentoring, and supporting complex needs. Together, we provide staff and volunteer mentoring for young people in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire.

It’s easy to access support or enquire about becoming a volunteer mentor.  Just follow our online application process and when we receive your request, we’ll guide you to the GMP partner organisation that’s right for you.  This partner will support you on your GMP journey and you can let them know about any preferences you’d like them to take on board.  We’re all committed to giving you the best possible experience.

Testimonials

What people say about us

I think other services didn’t necessarily take Jake’s perspective that seriously. He probably had the best relationship with his mentor who got an accurate picture of what was going on.
Referrer
I think other services didn’t necessarily take Jake’s perspective that seriously.  He probably had the best relationship with his mentor who got an accurate picture of what was going on.
I think other services didn’t necessarily take Jake’s perspective that seriously...
Referrer
Tanya talked very positively about her mentor and GMP. She felt like it was a safe space to talk about things and be supported with whatever she brought up.
Referrer
Tanya talked very positively about her mentor and GMP. She felt like it was a safe space to talk about things and be supported with whatever she brought up.
Tanya talked very positively about her mentor and GMP...
Referrer
I enjoy being a mentor and the relationship I have with my mentee is positive. Due to the length of the Programme, it is amazing to be able to take a steady pace when needed to build a relationship. It is a privilege to watch the progress...
Mentor
I enjoy being a mentor and the relationship I have with my mentee is positive.  Due to the length of the Programme, it is amazing to be able to take a steady pace when needed to build a relationship. It is a privilege to watch the progress young people make and see them grow in confidence.  We’ve explored many different areas during mentoring sessions, such as friendships, emotion management and internet safety.
I enjoy being a mentor and the relationship I have with my mentee is positive...
Mentor
Mentoring has been mutually beneficial for me and my young person. From our initial meeting, we’ve been getting to know each other more and discussing more sensitive topics. We’ve explored life issues such as mental health and relationships. Being able to form this connection has meant...
Mentor
Mentoring has been mutually beneficial for me and my young person. From our initial meeting, we’ve been getting to know each other more and discussing more sensitive topics. We’ve explored life issues such as mental health and relationships. Being able to form this connection has meant I’ve been able to help them through their situations and provide a space for them to reflect on how they feel.  …It feels rewarding knowing you are there for a young person who may be experiencing tough times. It is not our job to change their life situation, but having a positive role model can make their life slightly easier.  And allowing them to talk through everything means I have personally developed my active listening skills and empathy…
Mentoring has been mutually beneficial for me and my young person....
Mentor
My mentor is like a good friend. They’re very approachable and take time to help me understand what’s going on without making me feel confused or angry.
Mentee
My mentor is like a good friend. They’re very approachable and take time to help me understand what’s going on without making me feel confused or angry.
My mentor is like a good friend...
Mentee
My confidence has improved – I’ve become more apologetic and take ownership of my actions – something I previously wasn’t aware of.
Mentee
My confidence has improved – I’ve become more apologetic and take ownership of my actions – something I previously wasn’t aware of.
My confidence has improved – I’ve become more apologetic and take ownership of my actions...
Mentee
My mentor is amazing; I really feel safe talking to them and look forward to when I see them next. They made me feel heard and comfortable.
Mentee
My mentor is amazing; I really feel safe talking to them and look forward to when I see them next. They made me feel heard and comfortable.
My mentor is amazing; I really feel safe talking to them and look forward to when I see them next...
Mentee
My mentor helped me be a lot calmer, and I think I understand my relationships a lot better too – especially with my mum.
Mentee
My mentor helped me be a lot calmer, and I think I understand my relationships a lot better too – especially with my mum.
My mentor helped me be a lot calmer, and I think I understand my relationships a lot better too ...
Mentee
Mentoring helps me to get everything out. I really trust my mentor and tell them things before I tell anyone else. Mentoring has relieved a lot of my stress and we have worked on my sleeping which is much better now.
Mentee
Mentoring helps me to get everything out. I really trust my mentor and tell them things before I tell anyone else. Mentoring has relieved a lot of my stress and we have worked on my sleeping which is much better now.
Mentoring helps me to get everything out...
Mentee
My mentor is lovely, and I feel like they understand and listen when I have worries or problems. I feel a lot more confident about speaking up about things on my mind and they’ve helped me with so much.
Mentee
My mentor is lovely, and I feel like they understand and listen when I have worries or problems. I feel a lot more confident about speaking up about things on my mind and they’ve helped me with so much.
My mentor is lovely, and I feel like they understand and listen when I have worries or problems..
Mentee

Success to date

So far, we have supported 428 young people – 278 in mentoring relationships and others receiving pre-mentoring support. Our mentees have been able to make improvements around healthy coping mechanisms, decision making, and relationships. They’ve also reported a feeling of safety, and of being listened to by a good role model who genuinely cares and inspires them to think more positively about their futures.”

Young people

in mentoring relationships

Our external evaluator, Rocket Science, has reported young people who’ve experienced GMP mentoring are:

A history of GMP

The journey so far

Our journey began in 2021, when CHK Foundation offered to fund a partnership of charities in the Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire area to deliver mentoring to girls and young women (GYW) aged 11-25 who were identified as being ‘at risk’ of involvement in the criminal justice system. In 2023, because of our successful impact, CHK extended its initial two-year funding period by a further 12 months to October 2024, and at this point the mentoring offer was extended to serve boys and young men as well.  We’re currently seeking funding to continue our important work.

Meet Our Team

Jill Anderson

Programme Development Manager

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Teresa Harding

Programme Administrator

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Elisha Kyne

Delivery Practitioner for The Door

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Max Harris
Delivery Practitioner for 1625 Independent People

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Agnes Kessling
Delivery Practitioner for The Nelson Trust
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Kainaat Khan
Delivery Practitioner for Young Gloucestershire

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Gloucestershire Mentoring Programme
Support those who might be facing tough situations
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We support you through life’s challenges

Kainaat Khan

Delivery Practitioner for Young Gloucestershire

Kai is the Operations Manager for the Community and Mentoring Department at Young Glos, based in Gloucester City. Kai has been in this role since October 2023. This role involves day to day management of the community and mentoring department along with safeguarding duties, prior to this, Kai spent time as a Delivery Manager for Young Glos

Kai has a background of leading projects within Adult Social Care for Gloucestershire County Council.

In Kai’s free time she enjoys Pilates and taking walks.

One piece of advice Kai would give to her young self would be…

‘Let it be, live in the present’.

Elisha Kyne

Delivery Practitioner for The Door

Elisha is the Gloucestershire Mentoring Programme Manager at The Door and joined in November 2021. Elisha’s role is very versatile and includes meeting, assessing and getting to know young people and volunteer mentors. Elisha works closely with young people and volunteer mentors, finding a suitable match; this helps the young person to receive the right support as early as possible. Elisha gives support and guidance with regular check-ins throughout all mentoring relationships. Alongside this, Elisha is busy being a part of the volunteer training, developing the website and managing the social media accounts, all while helping the whole programme to run smoothly.

Since finishing university, Elisha has been working in the charity sector supporting volunteers, as she loves to work with people and within the local community. Elisha also volunteers herself!

Elisha enjoys cooking, pottery and getting out in nature, walking with her puppy.

One piece of advice Elisha would give to her younger self would be…

"We can spend a lot of our lives trying to please others, spend time learning to believe and trust in yourself. It can go a long way to helping you to express yourself’.

Jill Anderson 

Programme Development Manager

Jill is the Gloucestershire Mentoring Programme Development Manager, and has been with the Programme since it started in November 2021. Jill is at the helm, overseeing strategic activities to develop the service, supporting partners to collaborate on service delivery.

Jill’s background includes time as a secondary school teacher then transitioning to the heritage sector, eventually becoming a local government head of service, leading cultural and trading services.

Away from work, Jill is keen on arts and culture and enjoys visiting places that offer visual and culinary delights; at home, you'll often catch Jill immersed in textile or garden projects. Jill also has a couple of volunteering roles and two lively grandchildren to keep her on her toes!  To unwind, Jill likes to hang out with loved ones, especially if it’s in or near water - the garden spa, warm sea, or a nice pool.

One piece of advice Jill would give to her younger self would be…

“Embrace the lessons life has to offer.”  There's so much we don't know, and we make mistakes along the way – that’s okay, we just need to learn from our experiences, good and bad.  It helps us navigate life's twists and turns and get better at managing relationships.

Teresa Harding

Programme Administrator

Teresa Harding joined as Gloucestershire Mentoring Programme Administrator in Jan 2024, bringing 20 years’ plus of administration experience and is using her coordinating, planning and scheduling skills to support the GMP collaboration as it progresses into the future.

Teresa is a volunteer mentor for The Door and after one year of mentoring, recognised the positive impact it can have, for both the mentee and the mentor. She is thrilled to be supporting GMP as a full time member of staff.

In her spare time, Teresa loves to spend time in her camper van with a bit of wild swimming and the occasional tandem skydive.

One piece of advice Teresa would give to her younger self …..

“Make choices in life for YOU and go for it, instead of doing what other people expect of you. Worrying what other people think, may lead you down a long and winding path”.

Agnes Kessling

Delivery Practitioner for The Nelson Trust

Agnes Kessling is our Mentor Coordinator at The Nelson Trust Women’s Centre based in Gloucester. Agnes has been in this role since June 2023, which involves recruiting, training and supervising the team of volunteer mentors. Agnes also manages a Young Women’s Keyworker supporting young people with an increased need for support.

Agnes brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, previously working as a Child Exploitation Keyworker as well as a Support Worker and later a Clinical Assistant in a Specialist Therapy Centre for PTSD and Trauma. This involved supporting a team of Psychotherapists and running creative groups with clients. Agnes also has research experience with the University of Bristol, working on a project looking at the impact of childhood trauma on risk taking behaviour in adolescence.

In Agnes’ free time she loves Art, drumming, getting out into nature and also volunteers in a community goat herding project!

One piece of advice Agnes would give to her young self would be…

‘Take every opportunity you can and don’t sweat the small stuff’

Max Harris

Delivery Practitioner for 1625 Independent People

Max Harris is our Community Mentoring Project Coordinator for South Gloucestershire. He has enjoyed this role since the Autumn of 2022. His role involves recruiting, training and managing mentors along with advertising the service for referrals of young people, aged 16 to 25 years of age in the South Gloucestershire area.

Max brings a wealth of experience having started working with socially excluded young people 25 years ago. He then went on to specialise in substance misuse, working with young people and adults. In more recent years, Max had worked exclusively supporting care experienced young people in partnership with Social Services.

In Max’s free time he enjoys playing music, taking city breaks, eating pizza and hanging out with his pets.

One piece of advice Max would give to his young self would be…

‘Be the change you want to see’.