Local Charity Calls for More Volunteer Mentors as Youth Mental Health Concerns Grow

Posted By: KLTV Adminon: June 23, 2026In: Education & Training, News, The DEN

Reading Time: 3 minutes

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Trusted adult relationships can be life-changing for young people, says Northorpe Hall

As concerns continue to grow over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, a Mirfield-based charity is highlighting the importance of trusted adult relationships in helping young people navigate life’s challenges.

Northorpe Hall Child + Family Trust says many young people are facing increasing pressures that can lead to anxiety, social isolation and disengagement from education or employment. In response, the charity is championing the positive difference that mentoring can make through its Mentoring @ Northorpe programme.

The charity believes that having the right support at the right time can be transformative, particularly for young people who feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for help.

From isolation to independence

One young person who has benefited from the programme is 17-year-old ‘E’, who was experiencing significant trauma, anxiety and long-term isolation before being matched with a mentor.

At the time, she rarely left her home, struggled with confidence and found everyday activities overwhelming, relying heavily on her grandfather for support.

Through regular mentoring sessions, ‘E’ gradually rebuilt her confidence, beginning with small outings before becoming more comfortable engaging with the wider community. Since joining the programme, she has learned to drive, re-engaged with healthcare appointments and developed greater independence in her day-to-day life.

‘E’ said: “Before mentoring I felt miserable and completely isolated. I wasn’t going anywhere or speaking to anyone, and I couldn’t do anything on my own.

“Now I can go places by myself, make phone calls, go to appointments and speak to people. I feel much more independent, and I’m not as scared of being on my own anymore.”

Mentoring described as ‘life-changing’

According to a report on the programme, mentoring has proved “life-changing” for many young people, helping them build confidence, achieve personal goals and develop stronger relationships with trusted adults.

The charity says these relationships play a crucial role in strengthening support networks and helping young people transition more successfully into adulthood.

However, demand for the service continues to rise, with a growing number of young people currently waiting to be matched with a mentor.

Call for volunteers

Northorpe Hall is now appealing for more local people to volunteer as mentors, helping ensure that more young people can access the support they need.

Dawn Kershaw, Volunteer Coordinator at Northorpe, said: “By building confidence and offering consistent support, our volunteers help young people develop trust, independence and hope for the future. We have young people waiting for support, and every new volunteer mentor means another young person can access a relationship that can make a real difference.”

Recruitment event planned in Mirfield

To encourage more people to get involved, Northorpe Hall is hosting a volunteer recruitment event next week, offering residents the chance to learn more about becoming a mentor and the training and support available.

The event is aimed at anyone interested in supporting young people in their community and finding out more about the role volunteer mentors play in helping young people thrive.