Beacon Invicta Mentoring

Beacon Invicta provides free one-to-one mentoring for young people aged 7–16 in Gravesend and the surrounding area.

Our mentoring is built around something simple: a consistent, trusted adult who takes the time to listen, show up and get to know the young person.

Sessions are relaxed and shaped around each young person. That might mean getting out for a walk, playing sport, trying something new or simply having space to talk. Along the way, mentors can help young people build confidence, develop friendships, manage challenges around school and work towards goals that matter to them.

“My child loves his weekly mentoring sessions. I have seen a massive improvement in how he is in himself, his confidence has grown hugely, and his behaviour at school has improved. The bond he has built with his mentor is amazing.”

— Parent

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

• Low self-esteem or confidence

• Difficulties with friendships or peer relationships

• Mild anxiety or worries

• Isolation or disengagement from school or their community

• Difficulties managing emotions

• Emerging behavioural challenges

Mentoring is not a clinical mental health service. It can, however, work alongside support from school, counselling or CAMHS by giving a young person a consistent, positive relationship with a trusted adult.

Sessions are shaped around the young person — their interests, what they enjoy and what helps them feel comfortable. A typical session might include:

• Going for a walk, visiting a park or doing something outdoors

• Playing football or another sport

• Drawing, crafts or other creative activities

• Trying a new activity together

• Grabbing a drink and having a chat

Sessions are usually weekly or fortnightly and last around 60–90 minutes. We normally aim to offer around 12 sessions, with some flexibility depending on the young person’s needs and available funding.

Mentoring usually takes place in public and community settings around Gravesend and the surrounding area. This might include parks, cafés, sports venues, community spaces or other suitable local settings.

Sessions are arranged at times that work for the young person, their family and the volunteer mentor, and are usually held weekly or fortnightly.

Mentoring does not take place in private homes. Locations and activities are agreed in advance and covered by Beacon’s risk assessment procedures.

All Beacon mentors:

• Hold an enhanced DBS check for working with children

• Complete safeguarding and relevant role training

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

Mentoring is delivered within clear safeguarding procedures and supported through regular oversight from the Project Lead. Sessions are recorded using secure contact logs, and any concerns are followed up promptly with parents, carers or other professionals where appropriate.

If you would like to discuss a potential referral, please use our contact form or email us. We’ll be happy to talk through whether Beacon mentoring may be suitable.