Have you managed a business?

Run a department?

Been your own boss?

Led a team?

Got fundraising and financial experience?

Possess organisational skills? 

Managed change and have lots of experience? ........

Why not share it?

Become a volunteer mentor and share your skills with voluntary groups and organisations in Powys who want to improve in areas like planning, governance, management, or fundraising and learn some new tricks yourself!

Powys has a rich and varied range of voluntary and community groups, providing a wide range of services in social welfare, the arts, sport, children; the list is almost endless. They play a vital role in our civil society - by sharing your knowledge with just one of these organisations you will be making a considerable contribution to your community. Please share it!

The Volunteer Mentoring Scheme is an exciting initiative developed by Rural Community Action and funded by the Welsh Assembly. It's delivered in Powys by PAVO, the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations.

It's based on the belief that there is an untapped resource of experience and skills in our community, skills and expertise that are often badly needed by community groups, especially newly formed groups or groups facing the need to change direction or deal with challenging and difficult issues.

You may have particular skills and experiences that would be of great benefit in the community and the basic aim of the Volunteer Mentoring Scheme is to put people like you in touch with the groups and organisations that could benefit most from your support.

As a volunteer mentor you will receive quality induction training as well as support. You will be covered by insurance and your travel and telephone costs will be reimbursed. More importantly, you will be putting your experiences to the best possible use and be making a big contribution to communities in Powys.

One dictionary definition of a mentor is an experienced and trusted adviser, a knowledgeable person who trains and councils others.

Mentors on the scheme will do just that.   They will pass on their expertise, give advice, be positive, realistic, and supportive. They will befriend their group, give assistance and encouragement to both individuals and groups in order help them to develop and grow.

Under the Volunteer Mentoring Scheme you will work with 'your' group for a set time on a specific issue and you will be carefully matched to a group that could most benefit from the expertise that you have to offer.

But you won't be thrown in at the deep end.  You will have full back-up support from PAVO. You will start only when you feel good and ready, and not before.

You can make a real and lasting difference. But you also will get immense satisfaction yourself from helping others by sharing your skills and your experience. And, of course, you will add to your own set of skills.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or would like to discuss the opportunities this role has to offer, please contact the PAVO Help Desk here or telephone 0845 009 3288.

Alternatively contact us by post at: PAVO, Marlow, South Crescent, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5DH