Become A Community Peer Mentor
Our award-winning team are looking for kind hearted and enthusiastic volunteers to make a real difference to vulnerable and isolated people across County Durham & Darlington.
Apply To Be A Volunteer
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Mentors provide support to clients to identify the root cause of any issues, thereby empowering and encouraging the person to reintegrate back into the community. No previous experience in volunteering or supporting people is required; all we need is your enthusiasm and willingness to help others, we welcome everyone.
These dedicated volunteers provide a light to those in despair, comfort, hope and inspiration to those in a dark place. They ensure support is unique and bespoke to each client and that their voice will be heard and considered as one size does not fit all, because they have been there.
Mentors are motivated and enthusiastic volunteers from the local community who support vulnerable, isolated people affected by significant life changing events, whether victims, survivors, perpetrators, or those forgotten by society, who through unfulfilled needs become reliant on services.
We appreciate that people become extremely frustrated that their needs are not being fulfilled by professionals, and can be left feeling rejected, ignored or disheartened by constantly having to repeat their story; they need someone like you to help them.
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Safeguarding is our main priority, therefore potential volunteers go through a stringent selection process; this includes an interview process, references, police checks and a specially designed training course.
Additional Information:
- YOU decide which areas within County Durham or Darlington
- You choose which sorts of clients issues you want to support
- We welcome everyone whatever your life experience, a colourful past is not a barrier
- Expenses and mileage are paid
- Over 18; No upper age limit
- Ongoing and additional free training provided
- No set hours: whatever suits you and the person you are supporting
Community Peer Mentors have several different opportunities where you can volunteer to support people, including some or all of the below:
Vulnerable and isolated people
Those with Mental Health issues
Those struggling with Alcohol and Substance Misuse
Those affected by Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
Supporting young people coming to notice of the authorities
Those forgotten by society
The Police & Crime Commissioner Peer Mentor Recognition Award
This award is presented every quarter to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in the support they provide.
Barry de Courcy
I grew up on an estate in Worthing West Sussex, at 8 years old I joined the local youth club, Maybridge Boys Club (MKC) and have spent the last 41 years involved in the club working as an Attached / Detached Youth Worker within the club and the Community. This led to me becoming involved in Outward Bound working with young people and adults with challenging behaviours, the aim being to change attitudes, behaviour and encourage self worth.
I have worked in various roles as part of a Home Office Youth Justice Team:
- Case Officer,
- Court Officer
- Reparation Officer
- Community Programme Officer
- Youth worker
- Crime diversion Activities Officer
I have spent time working with parents to stop collusion and reduce re- offending. This included liaising with Health and Education, Social services and other relevant agencies within the multidisciplinary team to facilitate conflict resolution and enable crime reduction in young people.
I have 15 years Psychiatric experience working in a Medium to Low secure unit, Acute Locked Reception and I was the Response Nurse for Hospital Incidents.
I have spent my life volunteering in Youth Work running many Youth Clubs organising and gaining County and National Awards in Climbing, Abseiling and Canoeing. The culmination of my Voluntary Work was being selected and working as a ‘Games Maker’ at the 2012 London Olympics.
My wife Sharon has been involved along with me in running clubs and working as an Outreach Youth Worker. Between us we have 5 children and 9 Grandchildren.
The award has been initiated by the Durham PCC, Joy Allen, to highlight the amazing support that the volunteers provide across County Durham and Darlington in the support those who are vulnerable, isolated people affected by significant life changing events, whether victims, survivors, perpetrators, those affected by ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour) or those wanting support with additions such as alcohol, substances and gambling, plus those forgotten by society.
Become A Volunteer
Please complete the below application form and one our our team will be in touch to discuss further.