Toc H Cheshire Mentoring Project

Toc H was started during the First World War as a group who offered friendship and support to soldiers. It was set up by Phillip Clayton, affectionately known as Tubby Clayton, who was an army chaplain at ‘Talbot House’. The name Toc H came from the army signaller’s code for T.

The groups aims are to engage in work in the community and to care for other people in friendship. Today the organisation consists of over 150 Toc H groups and 55 projects across the country.

In Cheshire the Toc H movement set up the Cheshire Mentoring Project in 2003 with three year funding from the Community Fund. The Cheshire Mentoring project is a county wide initiative, providing young people age 13-21 who might be leaving care or who are in the youth justice system, or who may be rurally and socially isolated.

The mentor system is a one to one, non-judgemental relationship in which the volunteer gives time, support and encouragement. The mentors are volunteers who have been recruited via the Volunteer Bureau or via an awareness training event.  Some volunteers hear about the project through word of mouth.

Volunteers need to have good communication skills and to be patient and with an outgoing approach towards young people.   They have to be over 21 and will have to undergo an enhanced Criminals Records Check. Potential volunteers will need to be interviewed and to provide references and identification such as a driving licence or passport. They will have to undertake Child Protection Training and from this they will receive a certificate.

Volunteers are vital and more are desperately needed to help support the 400 or so young people who are at the stage of leaving the care system. Many of the younger volunteers come from colleges and via their voluntary work they gain valuable experience which may help them in their careers. For many volunteers it is an opportunity to use their knowledge and life experience. The voluntary work that they undertake as a mentor can broaden their horizons and unlock their potential.

If you would like to volunteer for this project please contact: