Organisation Summary UTurn4Support (UTurn) is a Kings Award-winning charity (2024/25) based in Tendring, Essex. Established in 2019, we support vulnerable young people aged 918 and their familiesparticularly those at risk of criminal exploitation, mental health challenges, exclusion from education, or family breakdown. We deliver trauma-informed, personalised support through one-to-one mentoring, group sessions, outreach work, and youth hub activities. In the past year alone, we have supported over 2,800 young people, helping many achieve accredited qualifications such as ASDAN, and progress into education, training, or employment. Our mission is to empower young people to overcome barriers, build resilience, and create brighter futures. Summary of the role The Youth Mentor Intern will empower vulnerable young people aged 1118 by offering consistent, trauma-informed mentoring and practical support. The intern will build trusted relationships, encourage personal development, and help young people overcome barriers to wellbeing, education, and social inclusion. Working within UTurns award-winning framework, the intern will play a vital role in shaping positive futures for young people across Tendring, Essex. As part of this role, the post holder will be required to take full part in the Jack Petchey Internship Development Programme as well as UTurns internal mentoring programme. The Jack Petchey Internship Development Programme is a structured year-long training and development scheme designed to support interns working within youth-focused charities across London and Essex. The programme provides interns with high-quality professional development, including training workshops, mentoring, networking opportunities, and tailored support aimed at building confidence, leadership skills, and long-term career pathways within the youth and charity sectors. Key Duties & Responsibilities Mentoring & Support Build and maintain trusted relationships with young people through one-on-one and group mentoring. Offer emotional support, guidance, and role modelling to help young people navigate challenges related to wellbeing, education, and risk factors like exploitation or exclusion. Goal Setting & Action Planning Support young people to identify personal strengths and needs. Co-create achievable action plans to help them reach educational, emotional, or vocational goals. Life Skills Development Facilitate the development of life skills such as resilience, communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving through informal education and engagement activities. Academic/Vocational Support Help young people access learning opportunities, including ASDAN-accredited programmes, and support their transition into further education, training, or work. Behaviour Management & Positive Reinforcement Use positive reinforcement strategies to encourage constructive behaviour and help young people develop self-awareness and confidence. Liaison & Collaboration Work collaboratively with schools, social workers, families, and local agencies to ensure integrated, wrap-around support. Participate in community-based outreach and youth hub sessions. Record Keeping & Monitoring Maintain accurate, confidential records of sessions and progress using UTurns systems. Contribute to evaluation and impact reporting. Safeguarding & Compliance Follow UTurns safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety, and data protection policies at all times. Attend regular training and reflective supervision to develop professional practice. Qualifications & Experience Level 4 qualification certificate of higher education (CertHE), higher apprenticeship or higher national certificate (HNC) Interest in mental health, psychology, education, or community development. Prior experience working or volunteering with young people (formal or informal). Willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check. Skills & Attributes Empathetic, non-judgmental, and committed to making a difference. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Able to build rapport and maintain professional boundaries. Organised, reliable, and adaptable. Culturally aware and inclusive in practice. How This Role Benefits Young People This internship will directly support vulnerable young people aged 9 18 in some of the most deprived areas of Essex. By contributing to mentoring and engagement programmes, the intern will help reduce risk factors such as exclusion, poor mental health, and criminal exploitation. The intern will support youth participation, encourage young voices, and help young people re-engage with education or employment. Alignment with Jack Petchey Foundation Mission UTurns work and this intern role strongly reflect the Jack Petchey Foundations mission to inspire and motivate young people, particularly those facing disadvantage. By empowering young people through mentoring, goal setting, and skills development, the intern will promote confidence, achievement, and opportunitycore to both UTurns and the Foundations vision.