YOUNG people need more mentors. That was the plea from organisers of a recent Kent and Medway Mentoring Network conference.

The Kent and Medway Mentoring Network was formed over two years ago and is run by the Kent and Medway Education Business Alliance (KMEBA), based in Kings Hill, West Malling. It aims to establish countywide support which will provide a more effective mentoring service for the region's young people.

Under mentoring schemes, young people benefit from the guidance of an adult who is not a parent or teacher. Regular meetings show that the mentor is interested purely in the young person's development as an individual.

KMEBA's Rosemary Bolton paid tribute to existing volunteer mentors. But there were not enough to go round. "There are many new developments for young people, and mentors are keen to offer everyone support," she said. "We need more mentors, and we hope to attract more volunteers."

Peter Collins, chief executive of the National Mentoring Network, described the increasing demand for mentors and the government recognition of the important role that they play in supporting young people.

Meanwhile, a new mentoring service for 13-19 year olds is expected to go live in Kent and Medway in September. The so-called Connexion Service will revolutionise the way in which support for young people is delivered. Potential mentors should contact Rosemary Bolton on 01732 878062.