Refer a care leaver in Lewisham to our mentorship programme
And help transform young lives.
Our mentoring service matches care-experienced young people with trained volunteer mentors. Our mentors offer friendship, consistency and support with education, employment and goal setting as part of a structured and meaningful experience. Goal 17 is working with Lewisham Council to offer 18 free mentoring places to young people who are ready to make a positive change.
Change a life today by referring a young person.
We welcome referrals of 17 to 25 year-old care experienced young people who are linked to the Lewisham area, and who are currently not in employment, education or training, or who are at risk of disengaging.
Or, sign up as a care-experienced mentor.
At Goal 17, we train and support incredible volunteers. If you are a care-experienced person, we would love to provide you with our award-winning training and match you with a suitable young person as part of this programme. You'll be part of our nationwide community, will also be provided with your own mentor if you want and will be able to chat with us as well other volunteers undergoing the same fantastic journey.
Everyone who engages in our structured mentoring programmes is offered a certificate, recognising their journey, whether it be as a mentor or a mentee.
Who are Mentors?
For this project, Goal 17 is looking for mentors who are care experienced to work directly with young care leavers who need support moving towards employment, education or training.
A mentor is a volunteer who gives a few hours a month to a young care leaver, offering support, listening and a structured approach to identifying education and employment goals, however big or small those may be. They’re not part of the care system – they’re just there for the young person. Mentors will typically have one online meeting with their young person each fortnight, plus the opportunity to attend two in-person sessions, along with other project participants. Mentors help build confidence, trust, and happiness.
A consistent adult who chooses to be there.
Someone to talk to who isn’t part of “the system.”
A fortnightly structured meet-up, usually online, focused on the young person.
Structured support that builds confidence and trust.
Why Your Support Matters:
Watch these short videos to hear directly from young people about the challenges they face — and how volunteers like you make a real difference.
Why it Matters
For Volunteers:
You could be the one consistent adult in a young person’s life – someone they can trust, talk to, and connect with. It’s not about fixing things; it’s about showing up and being there. We’ll train and support you every step of the way.
For Young People:
Leaving the care system can be extremely lonely and entering the job market or sticking with training or education can be challenging without a strong support network. A mentor is someone who shows up just for you – not because they have to, but because they want to. It’s about having a real connection, building confidence, making plans and feeling heard.
Who Can Sign Up?
For Volunteers:
Anyone aged 18+ with some life experience
People who enjoy listening and supporting others
Those who can give a little time each week
Someone reliable, positive, and encouraging
Someone able to commit to 9-12 months
For Young People / Guardians / Social Workers:
Care leavers aged 16–25
If you’ve been in foster care, residential care, or supported lodgings
You want someone to talk to, guide you, and cheer you on
Looking for extra support with life, work, or confidence
This programme is being operated by Goal 17 Ltd in partnership with Lewisham Council and Wowment Ltd. By registering as a volunteer you are agreeing to be contacted by Goal 17. We take your privacy very seriously and will not share your details with anyone else other than our direct partners in delivering this programme. Our full privacy policy can be viewed here.