Nicodemus Youth Mentoring supports young people aged 12–29 (Gen Z) from church settings and the wider community. Through consistent one-to-one mentoring relationships, young people are supported to make positive choices, develop resilience, and grow in confidence. Mentoring creates space to explore faith, hear the Gospel, and become active contributors within their communities.
“I’ve had less trouble in school. I used to get excluded and argue with teachers, but now I think before I speak. Before mentoring I was confused and didn’t see right from wrong. Now my behaviour has improved, I think about consequences, feel happier, and my mum is happier too.”
Activity
Church volunteers meet one-to-one with young people from their church or local community. Mentors prioritise building trust and relationship, modelling Jesus’ approach, and guiding young people to make wise life choices. Discipleship is offered where appropriate, equipping young people with life skills and confidence to positively influence their communities.
Time
The project takes approximately three months to set up. During this time, volunteers complete up to 12 hours of online mentor training. Mentoring then runs weekly at around 2 hours every 2 weeks. Project management takes 2-3 hours per week, with bi-monthly Nicodemus support begining in month two and continues throughout year 1, supporting management, monitoring, and good practice.
Cost
£70 per month (Year 1) covers mentor training, project manager bi-monthly support, mentor resources, and the Community Consultation guide.
Year 2 onwards: support tailored to need.
Optional extras: mentor training (£69 per volunteer), resources at cost, and additional one-hour support meetings (£65).
Partnership
The Project Manager would work in partnership with the Church Safeguarding lead (or take advice from e.g. Thirtyone:eight) and internal church teams to identify young people within the church who would benefit from mentoring. Where mentoring takes place in the wider community, churches may engage with schools or local groups, guided by their Community Consultation process (guide included).
Support
Churches receive six bi-monthly one-hour online support sessions with their project manager, online training for up to five volunteer mentors, and access to two online mentor workshops alongside mentors from other churches. They also receive example mentoring resources and a detailed Community Consultation guide. Additional training, resources, and support sessions are available if required.
Resources
Churches will need a simple record-keeping system (online or paper), engagement with existing safeguarding policies, clear communication with church or homegroup leaders, and local community contacts identified through the Community Consultation process.
People
A Project Manager is needed to oversee and support mentors, alongside the church’s existing Safeguarding Officer. Initially, up to five volunteer mentors are recommended, though projects can build to 5 mentors or more as needed. Mentors do not require prior experience, just a willingness to build relationships and be trained.
Replications
Nicodemus Youth Mentoring has:
Replications
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