Empower

What is Empower?

Empower is a national Student Hubs programme which aims to improve local secondary school children’s self-esteem, motivation and attainment. Mentoring takes place over 6 weeks in a local school and students are paired 1:1 with a mentee. You will engage in different activities and conversations with your mentee, with the support of our Empower handbook.

Placements

We work with a variety of schools and organisations in Southampton. All mentoring slots take place during the week and are selected based on preference and availability. Mentoring will take place in person, covid permitting.

Volunteering commitment

We expect at least one term of volunteering, which typically involves 1 hour a week of mentoring during 6 weeks of a term, with an induction before your placement starts.

Skills and employability

Communication, empathy, dedication, safeguarding, leadership, working with children with complex needs, pastoral support of children, flexibility, time management and school liaison are all skills you will gain by taking part in Empower. This volunteering opportunity is excellent for anyone who wants experience working in schools and with young people, or is exploring a career in education/youth work.

Training and support

All of our programmes are supported by students and staff. As part of Empower, you will have the Empower Coordinator (Megan) and the staff team (Catherine) to speak to.

The Coordinator and staff team will be leading on your selection workshop, initial training and additional training provision (behaviour management, routes into education etc) throughout your placement, as well as any issues with your school placement. The staff team will be in touch with you during your placement to get mid-year and end of year feedback, which is required from all volunteers. Volunteers will also be debriefed about any issues with their mentee which they may want the school to support or follow up from.

Reasonable adjustments

Empower is committed to being an inclusive programme, and encourages all students to get involved. We can make reasonable adjustments to application processes, selection workshops, training sessions, your volunteering placement, and other activities on a case-by-case basis. We also provide ongoing support for the students we work with, so if you have particular accessibility needs, including if you want to disclose a disability or special educational needs, please do get in touch with Catherine at catherine.taplin-thorpe@southamptonhub.org and let us know how we can make the activity more accessible.

Volunteering with Empower won't cost you

We reimburse all Southampton Hub volunteers' travel expenses, including bus and car travel, throughout the project.

Why not volunteer with a friend?

Volunteering for Southampton Hub is social and you'll have the chance to meet many like-minded people, but why not ask a friend to sign up with you too?

Questions?

Email catherine.taplin-thorpe@southamptonhub.org who will be able to answer any questions and direct you for any further help and support.

You can also check out other youth projects over on our What's On page.