Friendship Works

Friendship Works is a mentoring charity that helps children and young people, who are having problems growing up, to have a happy and memorable childhood.

Based in London, Friendship Works recruits and trains adult volunteers to mentor children and young people aged 5-16. The children we help have all kinds of problems to deal with: caring for relatives who are ill or disabled; coping with the loss of a parent whether through separation or bereavement; witnessing domestic violence or substance misuse; or dealing with mental health issues in the family.

As a result, many have not had opportunities to do things in life that other children and young people take for granted: a simple trip to the cinema or a visit to the park.

Whatever their problems, our mentors are there to provide a child or young person with that little bit of extra support, friendship and kindness to help them manage life’s everyday challenge, to have fun and explore new interests and hobbies.

It is a big commitment: we ask mentors to meet regularly with a child or young person for a minimum two year period. But the rewards are enormous.

Through friendship, our mentors help children and young people explore their potential, build their confidence and help them realise their hopes and aspirations for a brighter future.