- What is the mentor’s role?
- A mentor’s perspective
- What qualities do mentors need?
- How do I apply to become a volunteer mentor?
- What commitment is required from mentors?
Please see our calendar for dates of our Mentor Training sessions.
What is the mentor’s role?
Mentor, n. experienced and trusted advisor (Oxford English Dictionary).
Young people are individually matched with a volunteer mentor who supports and guides them through the Mentoring programme of personal, social and educational development. Many of the young people referred will not previously have had the benefit of a consistent relationship with a non-judgmental person who respects and values them as an individual and assists them to identify and achieve goals. Mentors develop positive and supportive relationships which promote the development of self-esteem and confidence. Mentors encourage the young person’s involvement in a variety of social, leisure and educational activities with the aim of developing social networks, social and personal awareness, skills and interests. In addition, mentors support participants in furthering their education and training and in developing the skills required in the workplace.
What qualities do mentors need?
We don’t ask for the mentors to be perfect, just kind, honest and reliable. The impact of such a relationship can be powerful, life changing and extremely positive. The mentor is often the first person the mentee feels they can trust and talk openly to, in their lives.
In recruiting mentors, the project looks for the following qualities:
- The ability to listen to and support young people
- An interest in the welfare of young people
- An understanding of some of the issues that young people face
- The capacity to work individually with a young person
- A commitment to working in a way which does not discriminate against any group in society
- Personal attributes such as tolerance, persistence, sensitivity and warmth
Mentoring Plus provides structured training, support and supervision for volunteers mentors as well as a
variety of opportunities to build on existing abilities and develop new skills.
What commitment is required from mentors?
Many participants will have experienced difficult relationships with, and rejection by, people. It is important, therefore, that the project takes a consistent approach. The mentors and mentees agree to meet once a week for a year. Sometimes this may be for as little as an hour for a quick coffee and a chat or as long as a trip together somewhere for a few hours to visit something special
- 2 day mentor core training and additional training sessions as required thereafter
- A Contact Day where you get a chance to meet the young people
- Regular contact with the young people with whom they are matched
- Supporting the young person’s education and training programme
- Regular supervision with project staff
Travel expenses are reimbursed and each young person has a monthly activity allowance. Please download the Volunteer Expenses form, complete, sign and send to us for payment.
A mentor’s perspective
For further insight into the mentoring experience, please refer to the following article by Andy Graham.
Tiny turns in the right direction, The Guardian, Wednesday 6 August 2008
How do I apply to become a volunteer mentor?
If you would like to apply to be a mentor please download and complete the Mentor Application form and Equal Opportunities form and return them to us. If appropriate we will then be in touch to invite you in for an informal chat.
Please call us on 01225 429694 or email info@mentoringplus.net with any questions or queries.
We look forward to hearing from you.
