Mentoring

In the last few years at school some teenagers find it hard to decide what they want to do in the future. Some find it hard to get through exams and cope with other pressures. They find they need guidance yet they find it hard talking to parents or teachers. Some just find it easier talking to somebody else.

Education Business Plus, part of Connexions Cheshire and Warrington has set up several mentoring schemes in schools throughout Cheshire and Warrington.   The mentoring scheme is set up to ensure that someone from the local business community is available for pupils to talk to. It is a service provided in schools and has had great success with students, for example, from Shavington High School and Woodford Lodge.

The mentors offer non-judgemental support on a one-to-one basis. They help the pupil to recognise and develop their strengths and skills. Mentors help to boost self-esteem and help the pupils grow in confidence. Pupils have commented that they find it very helpful. One pupil said,”I just didn’t know where I was going. Now I do and I have something to work for.”

Mentors come from all backgrounds, providing role models who have wider and different experiences of life.  No previous experience or qualifications are needed – just a willingness to share own experiences of life and to help someone begin to take responsibility for their own decisions through listening and discussing.  The actual mentoring can take up to 45 minutes every two or three weeks.    Mentoring gives students the ability to recognise and develop strengths and skills through listening and discussion, thereby increasing motivation through building confidence.  It also helps to increase awareness of the world of work and raise aspirations.

“Mentors can act as role models for young people and give them opportunity and encouragement to develop into confident, motivated individuals”
Paul Boateng MP

Mentors gain satisfaction that they have helped somebody and are giving something back into the local community.
David Bilsborough who was a mentor at Shavington High School commented
 “We must recognise that these young people are the next generation of workers who will help drive our country forward. We must put in the effort and time to help develop them, to help them understand that they do have the attributes for success.”

If you are interested in setting up a mentoring scheme in your school or would like to become a mentor in your local area please contact Christine Fryer at EBPlus on 01606 555726.