About us | The Rendezvous

Age 14-25 and living in Dorset or Somerset?
We’re here for you. Every year we offer…

Young people

Hours of mental health and wellbeing support

Hours of English/Maths tutoring

Hours of groups and outreach

Supporting young people in North Dorset and South Somerset

Our trained and friendly team offers mental health and wellbeing support or one-to-one mentoring for learning. Our volunteers help young people gain crucial English and Maths qualifications they’re missing, giving them the skills and confidence to find jobs, join an apprenticeship scheme or continue mainstream education.

Our Vision

A world where every young person has the confidence, support and opportunity to thrive.

Our Mission

Helping young people take practical steps towards education, work, and a brighter future by rebuilding confidence, improving mental health and providing accredited learning.

Read our latest charity snapshot

Our background

We have been successfully working with disadvantaged young people in the Sherborne area since 1997, in Gillingham since 2017 and more recently in Yeovil.

Life is increasingly challenging for young people who need to be resilient, optimistic and have the skills and knowledge to make a smooth transition into adulthood. It is more difficult for those who lack family support or struggle at school.

We were set up as an advice and information centre in Sherborne in 1997 when we were originally one of more than ten similar organisations across Dorset. We are now the only one in North Dorset – and the only centre across the county providing such a broad range of services to young people.

I live at home but I was so anxious I rarely left the house. The Rendezvous staff talked to me and helped with practical things like benefits. They gave me challenges to boost my self-esteem, like helping an older person as a volunteer maths tutor, because I’ve studied A-level maths. I’m really proud of making a difference to someone else’s life. I feel more positive now and I’m thinking of going back to education. The Rendezvous have stayed in touch through the Covid crisis too.
– Liam, age 20

We continue to adapt to the needs of young people and have increased our knowledge and expertise in supporting mental health issues accordingly. We now work more closely than ever with our partners in schools and in health and social care.

We are known for building positive relationships with young people and despite having to migrate our face-to-face services to telephone support and move our learning online we continued to support young people throughout the coronavirus pandemic and came out as a stronger and more flexible organisation as a result.

Funding – We are a registered charity and are able to continue our work because of the generosity of local supporters and funding from trusts and foundations – less than 15% of our income comes from statutory sources. We welcome support of all kinds – financial and gifts of time. You can donate to us online or find out about other ways to support us here.

I needed help with housing. I’ve got three kids who went on the social services register when my partner got out of prison. The Rendezvous gave me housing advice and encouarged me to join the young parents’ group. That’s when I admitted I was in a violent relationship but was too scared to get out. The Rendezvous helped me get a rented place and gave me emotional support while I planned my move. They liaised with the police and social services. Now I’m safe and the kids are no longer at risk.
– Becky, age 21