AN urgent appeal has gone out for males in the Redditch area who can spend a few hours a week to support young boys in schools.

Owing to a current shortage of male mentors, local children’s charity Mentor Link is after men to help out.

Anyone interested should be a good listener, patient and enjoy working with children and young people.

The mentors are trained to support and encourage young people who are facing issues which are impacting on their education and well-being, with a view to improving their self-esteem and engagement in learning.

Mark Warmington, who joined the charity last year, said: “Volunteering with Mentor Link gives me an opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life.

"Each of my mentees know they can speak about anything that is important to them and truly be heard. This helps build their confidence and trust in adults that they won’t be judged, that their point of view is important and that they have an outlet to work through the challenges and pressures they are facing in life.”

For more information, contact Claire Quinn on 07973 572768 or email Claire.Quinn@mentorlink.org.uk.

Alternatively, go to mentorlink.org.uk.

Enquiries are also welcome from female mentors, as the demand for services continues to grow.