A volunteering charity helping unskilled school-leavers into work is appealing for professionals who can spare a few hours to help unemployed youngsters in London’s East End develop their skills and confidence.

The TimeBank charity runs youth projects to support school-leavers up to 18 who are not in education, employment or training.

A 10-week programme launched last year provided youngsters with a basic knowledge of business skills useful in the working world.

“It’s vital we support young people into education or employment,” said TimeBank’s Aklima Begum when it was launched. “The East End has one of London’s highest levels of unemployment as well as one of the largest and fastest-growing youth populations in Europe.”

No previous experience to be a mentor is needed, the charity points out. All professionals need to help jobless youngsters is the time, patience and commitment, as well as an understanding of the issues faced by youngsters.

TimeBank is looking for a commitment to spend five hours a month during a six-month volunteering period.