WOMEN'S Aid Monmouthshire has announced that BBC Children in Need has awarded another three years of funding to their mentoring project in recognition of the project's success.

The mentoring project was set up in 2010 in Monmouthshire to help boys who have witnessed or lived with domestic violence.

This is the only mentoring project in Wales specifically tailored for children who have experienced domestic violence. Mentors are paired with a child on a one-to-one basis over a year.

Alice Lilley, project co-ordinator of Women's Aid Monmouthshire, said: "The changes in the children can be amazing. Having positive, problem-free time with a reliable adult can make such a difference to a child, who may not have experienced that before."

All the children referred have emotional or behavioural difficulties and the organisation aims to help each child reach their potential by providing positive role models.

Women's Aid Monmouthshire is currently able to work with 25 children a year.

David Ramsden, chief executive of BBC Children in Need, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the Women's Aid.

"Monmouthshire Mentoring project is only possible due to the incredible generosity of our fundraisers across the UK. You really do help us to make a difference to young lives – thank you."

The group for 11 to 18-year-olds involves 10 weeks of workshops in which the boys take part in activities overseen by a volunteer mentor and the project coordinator, while being encouraged to talk about domestic abuse, its effects, and how to deal with it as well as doing lots of fun activities to boost confidence and self- esteem.

Many of the children get involved in the project through their mothers' contact with Women's Aid, with some referrals coming through schools, health visitors and social service.

To become a male mentor you need to be able to dedicate half a day a week to your ward on a one to one basis for 12 months.

Peter, who is currently mentoring in Chepstow said: "I got into it because my wife and I want to foster and we thought it would be helpful to get the training and have the experience.

"It has turned into one of the most rewarding things in my life. It is hard work sometimes when your ward takes a step backwards and does something naughty, but the change I have seen in my ward in the last eight months is phenomenal."

Peter has taken his ward sailing and walking: "I see that doing something physical really helps and his Mum says that she has seen a change in him every time we spend time together.

"When we first met he said he wanted to climb the highest mountain in Wales and last month, after lots of training, we scaled Snowdon.

"The struggle and achievement was life-changing for us both."

There are expenses and travel allowances for mentors and full support throughout from a professional youth support team.

"We are always in need of volunteers for the project. As a mentor you have a chance to change a child's life. We'll also give you a reference after your work if it might be helpful," added Alice Lilley.

If you are interested in mentoring, contact: Women's Aid Monmouthshire on 01873 859011 or email: mentoringpro