I am concerned that the Centre for Policy Studies' review of youth mentoring presents a misleading view of how the practice works in this country and the real benefits it brings to thousands of people (CYP Now, 24-30 September).
Well managed and appropriately resourced mentoring makes a real difference. For those young people without positive support in their lives, mentors play a critical role in helping them to develop self-belief and access employment and training.
Volunteer mentors cannot replace professional workers or parents, but they can offer practical support borne out of their own experiences to complement the work of support services. It is not necessarily formal qualifications that are needed. Life experience and passion, channelled through appropriate training, can make a difference.
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