Movement Champion Mentor

Hours: 22 hours per week (part-time)
Contract: 15-month fixed-term contract
Location: Milton Keynes
Sometimes, the best way to help a young person isn't by sitting down and talking. It's by getting moving, trying something new, building confidence and discovering what they're capable of.
At YMCA South Midlands, we're looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and creative Movement Champion Mentor to help young people improve their physical and emotional wellbeing through movement, mentoring and positive experiences.
You'll use a combination of one-to-one mentoring, group activities, sport, games and creative movement to help young people build confidence, understand their emotions, develop resilience and discover practical ways to feel their best.
You don't need to be a sports expert. What matters most is your ability to connect with young people, inspire participation and make movement accessible, enjoyable and meaningful for everyone.
The opportunity
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to feel confident, supported and able to thrive. But we also recognise that young people experience challenges differently. For some, traditional approaches to communication, learning or emotional support don't always work.
That's where you come in.
As our Movement Champion Mentor, you'll use movement as a positive tool to help young people explore how they feel, build self-awareness and develop practical strategies to manage their emotions and wellbeing.
You'll work with young people individually and in groups, creating safe, supportive and engaging experiences where they can try new things, build positive relationships and celebrate their progress.
One day you might be using team games to develop communication and confidence. Another day, you could be supporting a young person through breathing exercises, movement challenges or activities that help them feel calmer, more focused and ready to engage.
You'll also work closely with schools, youth services and community partners to reach young people who would benefit from additional support.
This is about much more than physical activity. It's about helping young people discover what works for them and giving them skills they can use in everyday life.
What you'll be doing
You'll play a hands-on role in delivering an exciting project that brings together mentoring, movement and wellbeing.
Your responsibilities will include:
Building positive, trusting relationships with young people and creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
Delivering engaging one-to-one mentoring and group-based activities that support physical and emotional wellbeing.
Using sport, games, creative movement, breathing exercises and other practical activities to build confidence, resilience and self-awareness.
Helping young people understand the connection between movement, emotions, thoughts and behaviour.
Supporting young people to develop positive coping strategies, manage challenging emotions and improve their confidence.
Encouraging young people to discover activities they enjoy and develop a positive relationship with physical activity.
Adapting activities to meet different needs, abilities, interests and levels of confidence.
Supporting young people to develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and positive relationships.
Working with schools, youth services and community organisations to identify and engage young people who could benefit from the project.
Monitoring progress, celebrating achievements and maintaining accurate records to demonstrate the difference the project makes.
Above all, you'll help young people feel more confident, connected and equipped to navigate the challenges they face.
About you
We're looking for someone who believes in the potential of young people and understands that small, positive experiences can make a big difference.
You'll enjoy working directly with young people, building relationships and finding creative ways to help them engage, participate and develop.
You don't need to be a qualified sports coach, but you will need to be confident planning and delivering activities that use movement to support wellbeing and personal development.
You'll understand that every young person is different and that success isn't about sporting ability. It's about helping young people feel included, build confidence and make progress in ways that matter to them.
You'll be someone who:
Has experience working with young people in youth work, education, mentoring, community activities or a similar setting.
Understands the physical, social and emotional development needs of young people.
Recognises the benefits of movement and physical activity for emotional wellbeing, confidence and personal development.
Can plan and deliver engaging, inclusive activities for individuals and groups.
Builds positive, trusting relationships with young people from different backgrounds.
Is creative, enthusiastic and able to make activities fun, accessible and meaningful.
Is patient, empathetic and able to adapt their approach to different needs and abilities.
Understands safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of professional boundaries.
Communicates confidently with young people, schools, families and other professionals.
Is organised, reliable and comfortable managing their own workload.
Brings energy, positivity and a genuine passion for helping young people thrive.
Experience in youth mentoring, physical activity, sports coaching, group facilitation or wellbeing programmes would be particularly valuable.
Relevant qualifications in youth work, education, social sciences, coaching or physical activity would be an advantage, but

Employment type
Employee - Fixed Term (Part-Time)

Work arrangement
No