The ReachOut mentoring program started in 1994 in Manchester, England, with just 20 volunteers. Today, more than 350 children and young people enjoy two-hour, one-on-one weekly mentoring sessions at schools and youth centers in several U.K. cities, including London. The volunteer mentors, who are usually university students, help young people (ages 8 to 16) develop numeracy, literacy, communication, and memory skills using a range of fun activities including sports and dance. The student mentors learn skills that they can use in the workplace, such as how to be a creative problem solver or be reliable and work as part of a team.
After two rounds of donations from TechSoup Global Network partner, Charity Digital, and its donation program Charity Digital Exchange, ReachOut grew from a small project in Manchester's Moss Side area to two networked offices in Manchester and London. The donations received have given ReachOut the capacity to manage increased online traffic and have provided practical tools that enhanced its mentorship program.