In Scotland there are just under 12,000 children and young people involved in the care system.

These members of our community can experience systemic and personal challenges that can impact on their health, education and wellbeing.

The ‘Intandem’ programme aims to support these children and young people by connecting them with a volunteer mentor.  

Joining us in the studio as part of the Saturday Drop In were Sarah from the local branch of the charity Action for Children who deliver the programme in the highlands and Deborah who is one of the volunteer mentors.

Deborah told us about why she volunteers as a mentor with Intandem.

“On retirement I wanted to continue to have contact with young people. Through my work I was very aware of the disadvantage some children face in their lives due to family struggles. Mentoring gave me the opportunity to take part in activities with a child and try to make a difference to their future.”

Deborah told us about one specific child she mentored.

“I feel privileged to have become part of a child’s life journey, showing them new experiences such as swimming, tennis, dance classes and outdoor walks. I remember mentoring an 8-year-old. When I first picked her up, she would have a furrowed brow and wouldn’t say much in the car. Once we got into the pool, she would plunge under the water and swim to the surface with a huge happy smiling face. It was like she had washed all her worries away for a while, and it was lovely to see that.”