Hillingdon Council are currently seeking volunteers as guides for young people who are going through difficult times in their lives.

It has been revealed more than 100 young people in the Hillingdon area are in need of an adult mentor to help them with their struggles.

The council believes young people between the age of 13 to 25 who are suffering from personal issues would strongly benefit from having an adult mentor to help them through their difficulties.

Volunteer mentors will go on a part-time training course to learn how to provide support for young people.

They will then be matched with a young person in their area and meet up for weekly sessions.

The council are particularly looking for young men from black and Asian backgrounds as many teenage boys request an adult male who they can feel comfortable opening up to.

Councillor David Simmonds, cabinet member for Education and Children’s Services, has encouraged people to volunteer for the position.

He said: “Mentoring is a fulfilling role and we are looking for responsible adults to come forward to help young people in the community.

“The volunteer role would suit residents who are looking to give something back to the community whilst learning new skills.”

Mum-of-three Shirley Allen has spent six months as a mentor to 14-year-old Sophie, revealed how rewarding the position has been.

She said: “Mentoring is so rewarding, it is an amazing feeling when you gel with a young person and they start to open up.

“It’s wonderful to look back and see how you have helped and made a difference to someone else’s life.”

Sophie added: "I was very nervous to meet my mentor at first, and I didn't expect her to be so nice and welcoming.

“I was scared to talk, but now I feel comfortable with Shirley and I share my problems with her. We talked about a family issue I had, and she helped me to deal with it and gave me steps to guide me through."

For more information, contact Hillingdon Council on 01895 556300.