Trailblazers Mentoring concentrate solely on what they set out to do in 1998 when the charity first started - mentoring young offenders. They have a unique product and they aim to offer this to as many young offenders as they can reach. They are a mentoring charity that works exclusively with young offenders and are currently based at HMYOI Aylesbury ( Registered Office), HMP/YOI Brinsford (Wolverhampton) and HMP/YOI Isis (London). Trailblazers recruit, train and match suitable volunteer mentors with young offenders who have asked to be mentored. Before being matched, each young offender will have been interviewed and risk assessed. 

Through the committed and dedicated team of over 125 volunteer mentors, Trailblazers works in close partnership with YOIs, prison staff and other stakeholders to prevent re-offending. Volunteer mentors are fully supported by their Project Manager and are thoroughly trained to ensure structure in the mentoring relationship.

The Tool Sets they use are unique, they were designed in-house, piloted with mentors and with the young men that they work with. They are achieving hugely positive outcomes in terms of the aims: increased self-awareness, changes in thinking, attitude and behaviour. The mentor meets the young offender approximately six months before his release date and during weekly visits, endeavours to build up a relationship of trust which will ultimately lead to increased self-awareness, self-esteem and confidence in the young offender and thus will reduce the risk of re-offending. Mentor and mentee meet weekly inside the prison. 

Upon release the mentor endeavours to keep in regular weekly contact with the young person, to lend a listening ear and a helping hand; to assist with finding accommodation, study/training opportunities, jobs, etc. and to be a source of support, guidance, advice and encouragement for a period of up to 12 months. 
The mentoring relationship will come to a natural end when the young offender has secured employment or is back in education.