Youth mentoring charity behind Inverness Kart Raceway appeals for volunteers
As Day 1 Mentoring celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, the Inverness-based organisation is reflecting on two decades of transformational work with vulnerable young people – and issuing a call for new volunteers to help continue its vital mission.
Established in 2005 and fully launched in 2006, Day 1 began with a simple idea: that some young people fall through the cracks.
They might not qualify for support from social services, yet they’re still struggling – facing barriers at home, at school, and in the community.
The idea was born in an unexpected place – on a sea kayaking expedition in Patagonia.
Friends Ed and Robert, both serving on their children’s school boards at the time, found themselves discussing the growing number of pupils who weren’t thriving in mainstream education.
That conversation sparked the beginnings of Day 1 – initially a modest mentoring scheme for just eight young people across a few secondary schools.
Fast-forward 20 years, and the charity has supported over 1,000 young people across the Highlands.
Under the current guidance of youth work professionals Hollie Wilson and Corrin Henderson, Day 1 has expanded its reach and impact through both mentoring and a thriving social enterprise model.
Much of the training takes place at Inverness Kart Raceway, which supports the charity.
Having been impacted by the Fairways fire in March, the Kart Raceway has been shut for customers.
That affected building has now been fully demolished, marking a significant step forward in the recovery process.
Hollie said: “At this stage, we do not yet have access to our main entrance, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities and our insurance company, to ensure that all necessary building regulations and safety measures are met before reopening.
“We understand how eager our customers are to return, and we truly appreciate their patience and continued support during this time.
“We are committed to keeping you informed and will share further updates as soon as we have a confirmed reopening timeline.”
While the core of Day 1 remains its one-to-one mentoring, its training arm has become a game-changer for many young people.
Around 100 teenagers each year take part in a foundation apprenticeship in automotive skills – gaining hands-on experience in one of Day 1’s two fully-equipped training garages.
“This practical training is a hook,” explains Corrin.
“But what we’re really doing is helping young people build confidence, find purpose, and develop the essential life and work skills that often go untaught in traditional settings.”
Young people attend half-day sessions once a week over the course of a year. Transport is provided, lunch is available, and – crucially – they’re supported in a nurturing environment designed to build trust and self-belief.
“Some of them arrive barely able to make eye contact,” says Hollie.
“By the end of the year, they’re delivering presentations to their peers and standing taller – it’s like watching a different person emerge.”
The training isn’t just about producing future mechanics – though some do go on to apprenticeships through local garage partners.
It’s also about "meta-skills” – resilience, communication, problem-solving – which can carry these young people into a range of careers.
“Many of them realise they don’t want to be mechanics, and that’s totally fine,” says Corrin.
“What matters is they’ve spent a year developing real skills in a setting that values and supports them.”
In fact, Day 1 staff actively support young people beyond the garage, helping them prepare CVs, practise interviews, and apply for jobs.
They are even out knocking on doors – visiting garages across the region to create links with employers who are willing to offer apprenticeships.
Alongside the training, Day 1’s year-long mentoring scheme remains the heart of the organisation.
Each mentor is matched with a young person aged 15–18 and given a £1,000 budget to support activities throughout the year – anything from cinema trips and coffees to dog walks or museum visits.
“We meet them where they are – literally and figuratively,” says Hollie.
“It’s about building a consistent, positive relationship outside of school. These young people might be dealing with mental health issues, bullying, poverty, or low attendance. Sometimes they just need one adult who shows up for them.”
Referrals come from guidance teachers in local schools, who identify pupils in crisis or at risk of disengaging entirely.
Recently, the charity has begun piloting an extension to its model – working with young people aged 16 to 19 who have already left school and are struggling with the transition to adulthood.
“There’s a real gap when young people leave school,” says Corrin.
“We’re collaborating with employability services and partners like The Bridge to reach them before they fall completely out of the system.”
As Day 1 continues to grow, so too does its need for volunteers. The charity is urgently seeking committed adults from all walks of life to serve as mentors for the next generation.
“You don’t need special qualifications,” says Hollie.
“You just need to care, to listen, and to be consistent. We’ll provide the training, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Some of Day 1’s former mentees have even returned to volunteer, using their lived experience to guide others on a similar path.
“Who better to support a young person than someone who’s walked that road themselves?” Corrin adds.
If you're over 18, reliable, and keen to make a real difference in a young person’s life, Day 1 Mentoring wants to hear from you.
