Council wants more role models for its youngsters

11:39am Tuesday 1st July 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A COUNCIL is searching for more black men to act as role models to troubled youngsters.

The Mentoring for Care Leavers project was set up by Lewisham Council in 1999.

It works to provide young people who are in care with adult role models to listen to them and provide support.

According to the council, the majority of volunteers have been women.

But the council is now trying to address this issue and is particularly interested in attracting more black male volunteers.

Since the scheme was established, more than 432 volunteers in Lewisham borough have been mentors to 400 young people.

A council spokesman said: "The mentor provides a really simple relationship whereby youngsters have someone to talk to and be there for them."

To become a volunteer mentor, call Lee McDaid or Sharon Corette on 020 8314 8083.