LGBTQvolunteer mentors

Who we are

At Porchlight, we help people who have nowhere to go and no-one to turn to; some people are homeless, others are struggling to cope with the pressures in their lives and need our support to keep on track.

As a charity working across Kent, we help vulnerable and isolated people get support with their mental health, housing, education and employment. We provide young people and adults with the advice, guidance and skills to live independently in the future, to play an active role in their local community and to fulfil their potential.

In 2015/16 we supported nearly 5000 people but we couldn’t do it without the hard work and commitment of supporters, partners, funders, volunteers and staff, and of course, the people that we support.

Supporting young LGBTQ people

There is very little support across Kent for young LGBTQ people and we are determined to change this. At Porchlight, we have a long history of supporting homeless LGBTQ young people andwe understand that everyone’s story is different.

Young LGBTQ people who choose to come out may experience anxiety,isolation and rejection from their community andfrom those closest to them.Those who do not feel able to express their identity also face challenges because they have no safe space to be open and honest about who they are.

Either scenario can have a detrimental effect on a young person’s self-esteem and confidence and lead to an increased propensity to engage in harmful behaviours such as smoking, drug and alcohol misuse.

We want to offer a safe, inclusive space that allows young LGBTQ peopleto express themselves in a supportive environment.

We also aim to work with other agencies, schools, colleges and youth groups, delivering training on how to overcome unintended barriers and create LGBTQ-friendly environments.

Our volunteer programme

We have developed a volunteer programme across the Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Swale areas. The programme aims to support local LGBTQ young people who are out and in need of social/peer led activities, as well as those who are not yet out but need confidential advice and guidance. These youth groups will actively work towards improving their local LGBTQ community.

The programme will offer one-to-one mentoring support to young people questioning their sexual or gender orientation. A dedicated website will provide information on local activities, as well as opportunities for young people to seek confidential advice or to be put in touch with their local group or a mentor.

Could you help?

Could you give some of your time to help guide and support young LGBTQ people? Are you able to recognise and empathise with the struggles they face? Maybe you can relate in some way to the challenges they encounter, either personally or by having supported an LGBTQ person close to you. You’ll build a stable and positive mentor/mentee relationship through regular meetings, offering support to those who are out.We’re looking for a minimum commitment of six months’ mentoring.

  • Encourage young LGBTQ people to engage in activities with a purpose to contribute to their local community
  • Improve the skills and abilities of young LGBTQ people who are our future generation
  • Help supportyoung LGBTQ people’s confidence and self esteem
  • Provide advice, guidance and a listening ear on the wide range of issues experienced before and after coming out
  • Contribute relevant and up-to-date information to the local website.

What we need from you

  • Enthusiasm and an interest in supporting young LGBTQ people to achieve their full potential.
  • A proactive personality and the ability to motivate and engage with young people
  • A positive, self-motivated and passionate attitude
  • Good knowledge and understanding of the issues young LGBTQ people face
  • Good communication and influencing skills
  • To be committed to attend relevanttraining sessions
  • To be committed to meet with young peopleon a regular basis
  • Two references will be required
  • A full enhanced DBS will be sought.

Benefits for you as a volunteer

  • Develop key skills and valuable experience of the youth sector within a dynamic, positive, friendly and supportive environment
  • Have access to relevanttraining courses run at Porchlight
  • A professional reference for future work / study / volunteering opportunities
  • Make a significant contribution to supporting a young LGBTQ person to move forward with their lives
  • Invaluable work experience.

Induction/training

A full induction and specific, relevant training will be provided to prepare all volunteers for their role.

Our schemes run across Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Swale.

Commitment: We are seeking a commitment of at least 6 months.To request an application form please email