Apologies – AKT’s mentoring scheme is currently closed to applications in London, reopening in June, but is still open in Manchester

We are currently accepting applications for our popular mentoring scheme in Manchester.  We particularly welcome Black and minority ethnic, female, trans and disabled applicants. You can download an application form here [Application Form]

Download the Mentor Role Description here

Download an Equal Opportunities Form (Required for both London & Manchester applications)

AKT is not currently able to take new applications in London, where our waiting list is closed. AKT London trains new mentors twice a year, in January and July. Waiting lists for the July training will reopen in June. Meanwhile, there are new volunteer roles coming up all the time at [http://akt.org.uk/about-us/vacancies.html]

Mentoring provides a young person with a stable, one-to-one relationship that is supportive, respectful and non-judgemental. Mentoring can be largely task-focused but also includes just listening to the young person. Meetings generally take place once a week or once a fortnight and the mentoring relationship is always time limited.

To be a mentor you need to:

• Have on average 2 hours per week to volunteer
• Live in Greater Manchester or London (any London borough) or have easy access to these areas
• Be prepared to undergo a 3-6 month training & assessment process
• Be over 25 years old

Many of our mentors identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans, and they often provide role models for young people coming out or coming to terms with their identity. However, we are also open non-LGBT applicants who can provide an empathetic and affirmative relationship and have a good understanding of the type of issues young LGBT people face. Most importantly, we ask that our mentors have a positive attitude so that young people are not continually exposed to the negative images of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans life.

The AKT mentoring scheme is designed to provide young people with support, guidance and practical help in achieving their goals and potential with particular emphasis on:

• Managing tenancy and accommodation
• Self-care and living skills
• Managing money and personal administration
• Education, training and employment
• Physical wellbeing
• Mental, emotional and sexual wellbeing
• Social networks and relationships
• Meaningful use of leisure time
• Motivation and taking responsibility

A mentor might help a young person fill in a form for college, apply for a job or improve how they manage their tenancy or money. However, it’s not just about practical tasks; a mentor’s support can help a young person access social groups, build a support network, feel more confident about coming out, deal with bullying or diminish feelings of isolation.

Mentors work with mentees and an AKT member of staff to identify the areas that their mentee feels are particularly important to them and to set objectives and develop action plans for these areas. The mentee is also asked to rate how they feel they are doing in each of these areas at the start of the mentoring relationship. Progress is reviewed every three months.

We provide support to our mentors, along with a training package, expenses and the chance to give something back to the LGBT community.

For more information on becoming a mentor please call either office or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it