Beacon Mentoring

Beacon Invicta offers one-to-one youth mentoring in and around Gravesend for young people aged 7-16 who would benefit from extra time with a trusted adult.

Mentoring is relaxed and relationship-based. Our volunteers meet regularly with a young person to listen, encourage and gently help them work towards their own goals - whether that’s confidence, friendships, school, or just feeling a bit more like themselves.

Our mentoring is a referral-only service, designed for children and young people who may be experiencing:

• Low self-esteem or confidence issues

• Social difficulties or peer relationship challenges

• Mild anxiety or worries

• Isolation or disengagement from school or community

• Difficulties with emotional regulation

• Emerging behavioural challenges

Mentoring is not a clinical mental health service, but it can sit alongside school support, counselling or CAMHS as a steady, positive relationship.

Sessions are planned around what feels safe and comfortable for the young person. A typical session might include:

• Going for a walk, park visit or simple outdoor activity

• Playing football or another light sport

• Drawing, crafts or other creative activities

• Grabbing a drink and chatting in a safe public space

Sessions are usually weekly or fortnightly, lasting around 60–90 minutes. We aim to offer mentoring for around 12 sessions, with flexibility based on need and capacity.

We meet in safe public places around Gravesend / North Kent - for example community venues, parks, sports spaces or youth settings we already work with.

We do not meet in private homes, and all locations are risk-assessed and agreed with parents / carers in advance.

All Beacon mentors:

• Hold an enhanced DBS check

• Complete safeguarding and youth work training

• Follow our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct

Mentoring sessions are risk-assessed, supervised by the Project Lead, and recorded using our secure contact logs. Any concerns are followed up quickly with parents / carers and, where necessary, other professionals.

If you would like to talk about a potential mentoring referral, please get in touch via our contact form or email and we’ll be happy to discuss whether Beacon is the right option.