Mentoring programmes

What are the different forms of mentoring?
Mentoring programmes for young people usually fall into one of three categories: one-to-one adult mentoring; one-to-one peer mentoring; and youth mentoring groups. Mentoring can either be delivered on a short or long-term basis and supports personal development. It is relationship-based and relies on communication, interaction and the sharing of experiences and knowledge for ongoing learning and growth.

How do you deliver a successful mentoring programme?
A good youth mentoring programme is one that is well thought-through and has sufficient resource to support delivery. It is essential to run a rigorous recruitment process to ensure safe and high quality mentors, and to then offer thorough initial and ongoing training.

A tailored matching process is crucial to the delivery of a high performance mentoring scheme, and matches must be based on the needs of each individual child to assess what sort of mentor they would most benefit from having.

There must also be a well-managed system of ongoing support and supervision with all parties involved in the mentoring relationship, including the mentor, young person, parent and any agencies. This monitors progress, ensures that mentors can access advice and guidance, and ultimately guarantees that relationships can develop and grow in the right way to deliver benefits for the child.

What should you look for in a good mentor?
Someone who respects their identity as an individual, does not judge, and who allows them autonomy and choice, helps children to feel empowered and valued.

Good mentors have a range of backgrounds but share some key attributes. They are well-rounded and resilient, are self-aware and able to reflect on their own motivations and behaviours.

Although they may have experienced difficulties themselves, they will have the ability to process life experiences, and are able to give another person the right sort of emotional support to develop and grow.

We look for mentors who are patient and reliable, as well as being non-judgmental and understanding different perspectives on life. They have varied interests and lots of energy and enthusiasm.

Our mentors have the ability to see the world through the eyes of a young person and adapt their approach accordingly.Good mentors are able to build strong friendships that last. They are positive, motivated and know how to have fun. They are interested in other people, have a good sense of humour, and are good listeners.

They see mentoring as important, take their responsibility seriously, and will make the time and commitment to support a young person.

One of the most important attributes of a strong mentor is also understanding the boundaries of the role, and an awareness of how to guide a child in exploring their own skills and finding their own solutions. They are able to share experience and knowledge with a young person without telling them what to do.

What benefits can mentoring deliver?
Evidence shows that children need positive social support networks in order to thrive. A strong social support network is one that provides access to opportunities, advice and guidance, listening and understanding, and helps to build self-esteem and self-worth.

Mentoring plays a key role in providing part of this support, especially where one or more of these elements may be missing in a child’s life.

The support of a mentor helps to build confidence and give children a positive view of themselves. It provides access to new opportunities and experiences, and gives them the encouragement to learn, develop, and have hopes and aspirations for the future.

Further information

• Friendship Works is the oldest youth mentoring charity in the UK, providing children aged five to 16 in London with a mentor to meet with regularly for at least two years. www.friendshipworks.org.uk
• The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation provides services to increase the effectiveness and quality of mentoring. The website also lists schemes across England. www.mandbf.org/find-a-project
  

Richard Turner is chief executive of Friendship Works