Befriend a care leaver in Southampton
And help transform young lives.
Our "Care Leaver Mentoring" service matches young people in care with trained volunteers who offer friendship, consistency, and support. We urgently need volunteers and we'd love for you to join us in making a difference!
This service benefits 16 to 25 year-old care leavers. We also welcome referrals of young people.
Change a life today.
Imagine growing up in the care system, turning 18 and realising you now have to go it alone with no family and minimal support. It is incredibly difficult.
To these young people, the simple stability of a friend can make all the difference in the world. A small amount of your time becomes the most important time of all.
At Goal 17, we train and support incredible volunteers as they make a difference. We provide award-winning training and go to great lengths to match you with a suitable young person. You'll be part of our nationwide community, able to chat with us as well other volunteers undergoing the same fantastic journey.
Whether you're helping your young person plan their future, sharing a fun day out or simply talking through their worries, your involvement can and will change lives – including your own.
We're working with Southampton City Council to offer a wide range of meaningful opportunities. No matter your background or experience, we’ll support you with full training and guidance every step of the way. We would love you to join us.
Who are Mentors?
A mentor is a volunteer who gives a couple of hours a month to a young care leaver, offering support, listening, and fun. They’re not part of the care system – they’re just there for the young person. Mentors will typically have one meeting with their young person each month, plus contact via phone or text. They 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 monthly meet-up focussed on the young person.
Long-term 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 have fun 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. 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, and feeling heard.
How it Works
For Volunteers:
1. Sign up with Goal 17 and express your interest.
2. Complete training and safeguarding checks.
3. Get matched with a young person.
4. Meet regularly (usually once a month) for fun, relaxed visits.
5. Get support throughout from our expert team.
For Young People / Guardians / Social Workers:
1. Register your interest in the service.
2. We’ll arrange a chat to understand what you're looking for.
3. We'll carefully match the young person with a trained volunteer.
4. They meet up regularly – it’s all about building trust and friendship.
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 The Royal Borough of Greenwich 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.