A CHARITY that supports distressed or vulnerable youngsters is urgently appealing for male volunteers.

Mentor Link provides weekly one-to-one mentoring support to children and young people in schools across Dudley.

But the charity is in desperate need of more volunteers - particularly males - and Mark Warmington hopes by sharing his experience, more men will join him on the team.

He said: "Volunteering with Mentor Link gives me an opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life.

"Each of my mentees know they can speak about anything that is important to them and truly be heard.

"This helps build their confidence and trust in adults that they won’t be judged, that their point of view is important and that they have an outlet to work through the challenges and pressures they are facing in life.”

All new mentors - male or female - must provide two character references and an enhanced DBS clearance.

They will be provided with induction training, travelling expenses and on-going training.

Anyone who can spare an hour or two each week, and is able to commit to a minimum of six months volunteering, should email alison.spall@mentorlink.org.uk or call 07805937347.