Youth Development Mentor

About the Role

This Youth Development Mentor for young men is part of Bright Futures, our mentoring and employability support programme for young Gypsy and Traveller people aged 15-25. You will build trusted, consistent 1-1 mentoring relationships with young men, supporting them to grow in confidence, work out what they want, and build the skills to get there.

You will deliver the programme's set mentoring offer, adapting your approach to individuals as needed, alongside group sessions on skills and personal development. Many of the young men we work with have had negative experiences of school or other services and are often not in education, employment or training (NEET). The role is about helping the young men move forward at a pace that works for them, towards something they've chosen and can stick with, rather than pushing them down a set route. You will keep detailed records of progress and milestones reached.

You will also play a role in outreach and community engagement - building relationships with families and community members. This includes keeping up good working relationships with colleges, training providers and employers, and making sure young people's voices are heard, both within Bright Futures and externally.

This role is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

About You

This role is for someone who wants to make a real difference in young people's lives - someone committed to supporting young men from marginalised and underserved communities to get equitable access to opportunities, and to helping bring about wider change for those communities.

You will enjoy the challenge of working with young men who may take time to trust and engage, and see that as part of what makes the role rewarding.

The role is ideal for someone with experience of mentoring, youth work or a similar community-based role working with young men (paid or voluntary). Someone patient, non-judgemental and comfortable adapting support to suit the person in front of you. You will be just as comfortable speaking to family members as with college staff or social services.

We don't expect you to already have all the answers - what matters most is your commitment and ability to build genuine, trusting relationships and to keep going with young people who may take time to open up. We will support your development through supervision, training and a small, collaborative team environment.

We know not everyone will meet every requirement in the job description below, but if you feel you have what it takes, please apply and tell us how your experience and skills make you suitable.

If you are not sure what the work looks like or you want to ask questions before applying, we are happy to chat with you about the role. Please contact Mini Ravi (Programme Lead) by calling our office phone.

About LGT and Bright Futures

London Gypsies and Travellers (LGT) challenges social exclusion and discrimination, working for change in partnership with Gypsy and Traveller communities living on council caravan sites, roadside camps, in flats and houses, and those experiencing homelessness.

Bright Futures supports Gypsy and Traveller young men and women aged 15-25 through mentoring, skills development, employability and wellbeing support. The programme helps young people build confidence, develop practical skills and identify realistic pathways into training and employment, working at their own pace and around their needs and interests. The programme is shaped by a deep understanding of the Gypsy and Traveller culture, and designed to empower young people to engage with wider society with pride, motivation and confidence.

Our services also include accommodation advice and advocacy, family support, community development, research, policy work and campaigns, and we support hundreds of individuals and families each year.

We are a small, committed and supportive team who seek to live our organisational values throughout our work: Collaboration, Courage, Empowerment, Inclusivity, Equity, Community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and workforce diversity. We strongly encourage applications from Gypsy and Traveller communities.

To Apply

Review the responsibilities and person specification in the job description enclosed.

Using the 'Apply Now' button, please submit your CV

Instead of a cover letter, please submit answers to the following 3 questions in the space provided when you apply.

1. Briefly tell us about your experience of working with young men/people. What did you do and what kind of support did you provide?

2. What is one of the barriers young men from vulnerable or marginalised backgrounds face around education, training and work? Why?

3. Why are you interested in this role and working with London Gypsies & Travellers?

250-300 word answers for each question is enough, but you are welcome to write more.

There is no right answer and we are not interested in perfect responses. We want to know about you and the knowledge, skills, and experience your will bring to the role.

Closing date: Wednesday 30th September 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 14th October (stage 1, in person), Thursday 22nd October (stage 2, online)

Please check you are available on these dates before applying, in case you are shortlisted for interviews.

Please note: An enhanced DBS check is required for the role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.