Foróige is on the look out for volunteer to mentor young people in Offaly
Foróige Mentoring programme is enriching the lives of Offaly's youth
IT might be an hour after school. A walk, a chat, sharing a skill, or just grabbing a hot chocolate or an ice cream.
For some young people in Offaly, that small bit of time each week can make a real difference.
Right now, Foróige is looking for volunteer mentors locally, as more young people are being referred to Foróige Mentoring and are waiting to be matched.
Foróige is Ireland’s leading youth organisation, working with young people across the country to support their development and wellbeing.
Foróige Mentoring brings together young people aged 8 to 18 with trained adult mentors from their own community. Matches are carefully made based on shared interests and personality, creating a one-to-one relationship that grows over time through regular, consistent contact. Matches are fully supported by a dedicated Foróige Programme Officer throughout the match duration.
Young people who are referred to the programme may be navigating challenges at home or in school, coping with loss, or simply in need of some additional support and a consistent, caring adult in their lives.
It’s not about doing anything extraordinary. It’s about showing up. That consistency, having someone to listen, encourage, and spend time with, can have a lasting impact on a young person’s confidence, outlook, and sense of connection.
Young people are referred through schools, families, youth services, and other local supports, often at a point when having someone steady in their life can really matter.
Katie Nichol, Programme Officer with Foróige Mentoring, said the need for volunteers in Offaly is growing.
“We are seeing more young people being referred locally, and at the moment, there aren’t enough mentors to meet that need. There are young people ready to be matched, and we’re looking for people in the community who can give a small amount of time each week.”
For those who volunteer, mentoring is a simple but meaningful commitment, with full training and ongoing support provided by Foróige.
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor in Offaly can contact Katie Nichol at [email protected] or visit foroige.ie/our-work/mentoring/.