Corporate Parenting - How to get involved

What is Develop Me?

Develop Me is a mentoring programme with Birmingham Children’s Trust that supports young people in care and care leavers, aged 16-25. A mentor for Birmingham Children’s Trust can be life changing for a young person in care and care leavers. By being a consistent and supportive person in their life and helping them build trust, you can help someone reach their potential.

All children in care and care leavers should be given the opportunity to have a safe, responsible and trusted person in their life who can support and guide them.

What we do

We focus on building relationships in order to support our young people to achieve their goals. We understand the importance of supporting young people's well-being by ensuring they have someone to talk to. We also know the importance of developing life skills and independence. We aim to achieve this by building their self-esteem and confidence.

Our mission

• Promote health and wellbeing for young people within Birmingham Children’s Trust ensuring they understand the importance of health and wellbeing.
• Mentors will motivate, guide and support mentees to help achieve positive goals and develop important key life skills.
• Provide mentors who are good role models to young people and young adults.
• Develop a positive relationship between mentor and mentee.

Role of the mentor

A mentor is a volunteer who guides a young person by building trust and being a positive role model. They support young people by using skills to help the young person on their journey in life. An effective mentor understands that their role is to be dependable, engaged and tuned in to the needs of the mentee. Mentors will help develop knowledge and lifelong skills to maximise emotional health and wellbeing in ways that will work for the mentee.

Find out more

How to apply to to the programme 

As a mentee you will receive advice, training, or guidance from a more experienced or skilled person.

As of 5 Fabruary 2025 we are not taking any new referrals. We will update on this page when referrals will re-open. In the meanwhile please see other opportunities including Independent Visitors and our Next Steps programme. 

How to apply to become a volunteer mentor

• Click here to apply to become a volunteer mentor (this is a separate website containing a registration form). 

Have a question?

If you have a question or would like more information, please contact Melissa Jackson at mentoring@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk