What this is?
Mentoring is a one-to-one, non-judgemental relationship in which the mentor gives time to support, encourage, guide and advise a young person. The mentor uses their skills and experience to help the young person to set and meet goals, challenge their views, and help them to reach their potential.
All sessions are 1:1 with the mentor and young person and are centred around the young person’s interests, hobbies and talents, as well as their needs and the support required at that time. In doing so, the young person is supported in developing their social skills and relationships with family and friends, to build self-esteem, confidence and resilience, and to achieve their goals.
The generous financial support of Our Friends of Seeds4Success, including the family and friends of Jamie Mackaness and other local people, has enabled us to develop and implement our mentoring programme.
Why we run it?
All young people face challenges reaching their potential in the various aspects of their lives. For some young people, additional factors can increase these, for example: mental health conditions, relationships with family and friends, difficulties at school or college, low confidence and self-esteem or poor social skills. Living in a rural area can further exacerbate these due to the isolation and lack of opportunities it can bring.
It is important for a young person to have somebody they can talk to who is independent from their family, school and any other agencies involved. Sometimes a young person can lack a consistent, stable positive role model in their life and a mentor can fill this gap.
Who’s it for?
Young people living in the South West Wiltshire area, between the ages of 10 and 18, although we also support young adults with additional needs, aged up to 25.
Mentoring would benefit those young people who already are, or at risk of being Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). They may have or be at risk of offending, have welfare issues, few friends or negative social networks, anxiety or are being bullied. Perhaps they need time away from their normal situation and require transport to get them to a club, class or activity each week. They may be struggling to make progress at school through poor attendance, lack of motivation, confidence or self-esteem and maybe at risk of exclusion.
The young person as well as their parent, guardians or carer(s) will need to voluntarily agree to joining the mentoring programme.
When and where it runs?
There are no fixed rules when it comes to what works best with mentoring, however consistency and stability is vital. Frequent and regular works best so the mentor makes contact with the young person and they usually meet for an hour or so every week. However, this may not be appropriate for every individual an less frequent sessions may work best. The mentoring relationship takes time to develop, and for the young person to achieve their goals, so the process continues for about a year, although flexibility to meet individual needs is key, so sometimes the process can be longer and sometimes shorter.
Where the mentoring sessions take place varies depending on the needs and interests of the young person. Sessions will always be in a public place such as a park, café, youth centre, sports centre or attraction. If the young person needs transport to and from an activity, club or class, it may be in the mentor’s car.
Lead Worker:
Lee Email: lee@seeds4success.org.uk
What young people have to say
Mentoring has really helped me get out regularly and having someone to talk to has really helped my mental health
- P, aged 13
Additional information
Our mentors are independent volunteers, who commit an hour or so of their free time each week to meet with a young person. All are trained in mentoring techniques, effective communication, the growth mindset as well as safeguarding, confidentiality and boundaries. It is a requirement for all our mentors to have an enhanced DBS check and a certificate in first aid.
Mentors are supported by the Mentoring and Support Manager and the Seeds4Success team who are in regular and frequent contact. However, in order to build the trusting relationship vital for successful mentoring, we believe it is important that our mentors are independent of the young person’s family, school and any other agencies involved.
To make or discuss a referral or for more information about the programme, please contact Lee, or download and return a referral form.
Referrals are welcome from young people, their families, schools and other agencies working with young people.
To find out about becoming a mentor with Seeds4Success please see Our Mentors page.
Lee Cherry
Mentoring and Support Manager
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 07570 819140
