A new volunteer mentoring programme is being launched in Stroud and Gloucester to help tackle isolation, improve wellbeing, and strengthen support for LGBTQ+ individuals and the wider community.
Essential Space, a counselling and wellbeing organisation providing affordable mental health support, has announced plans to recruit and train a new team of volunteer mentors to meet growing demand for community-based emotional support and connection.
The programme will work alongside Identity Space, the organisation’s specialist LGBTQ+ counselling and wellbeing service, which provides safe, inclusive, and affirming support exclusively for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The organisations are now inviting compassionate and community-minded people from across Gloucestershire to register their interest in becoming volunteer mentors, with training expected to begin in September 2026.
Volunteer mentors will provide encouragement, practical support, social connection, and a listening ear to people who may be experiencing loneliness, emotional difficulties, life transitions, or challenges affecting their wellbeing.
Importantly, individuals who are passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ people will have the opportunity to mentor members of the LGBTQ+ community through Identity Space, helping to create stronger connections and more inclusive support networks across the county.
A spokesperson for Essential Space and Identity Space said: “We know that many people are facing increasing pressures on their mental health and wellbeing, while others continue to experience isolation and a lack of meaningful support. Through our new Volunteer Mentor Programme, we want to build stronger communities where people feel connected, valued, and supported.
“For LGBTQ+ individuals, having access to affirming spaces and understanding support can make a significant difference. Identity Space remains committed to providing specialist counselling and wellbeing services, and this mentoring programme offers another way for people to feel connected and supported within their community.
“We are looking for people who genuinely care about others and want to make a positive difference. No previous mentoring experience is required. We will provide full training, supervision, and ongoing support to help volunteers develop the skills and confidence they need.”
The organisations are keen to hear from people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Applicants do not need professional mental health qualifications or previous mentoring experience, although a basic understanding of technology is required.
The initiative forms part of a wider commitment by Essential Space to increase access to affordable mental health and wellbeing support throughout Gloucestershire, while ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals continue to have access to dedicated specialist services through Identity Space.
By investing in volunteer-led community support, the organisations hope to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and create stronger local networks that complement existing counselling and therapeutic services.
Training for successful volunteer mentors is scheduled to begin in September 2026.
People interested in becoming a volunteer mentor can register their interest by completing the online application form:
https://forms.gle/kn2jutUBQfDAk3KV8
About Essential Space
Essential Space provides affordable counselling, wellbeing services, and community-based support designed to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing across Gloucestershire.
About Identity Space
Identity Space provides specialist counselling and wellbeing support exclusively for LGBTQ+ individuals, creating safe, inclusive, and affirming environments where people can access support, build resilience, and improve their wellbeing.
