If you’re looking for a new challenge and would like to make a difference in the life of a young person then please read our colleague Julie’s story about mentoring, in the case study at the end of this Employee News.
She mentors a pupil from a local Secondary School and says:
- I think the bond we have has helped reduce his anxiety, just him having someone to listen to him has made a difference
- He knows he can share any of his problems with me about school or other things
- Having someone to talk to on a weekly basis, judgement free, I think has helped him.
If that appeals to you then maybe you’d like to find out more about the Council’s partnership with MCR Pathways who have a school based mentoring programme all over the UK, including at these eight locations here:
- Bearsden Academy
- Douglas Academy
- Bishopbriggs Academy
- Turnbull High School
- Lenzie Academy
- Kirkintilloch High School
- St Ninian's High School
- East Dunbartonshire Secondary Wellbeing.
By mentors simply being there and offering support, young people are more likely to stay on at school, achieve their qualifications and go onto a positive post-school destination. All it takes is one hour a week during the school term. All mentors receive full training and ongoing support, enabling them to draw on their own life experiences and personal qualities to make a meaningful difference.
You can find out more at one of the following, no obligation Information Sessions (click to register):
- Monday 7 September, 12pm
- Wednesday 9 September, 9:30am
- Thursday 10 September, 3:30pm.
If you are kind and caring; you qualify! No prior experience or experience necessary.
Please secure prior approval to attend from your line manager if the sessions are during your normal working hours.
If you can’t make a session, you can visit the MCR Pathways website to find out how you can make a difference like Julie.
Thanks
Greg Bremner
Chief Education Officer
60 seconds with an East Dunbartonshire Mentor
Meet Julie, a mentor with MCR Pathways. Julie works at East Dunbartonshire Council and volunteers one hour a week to support a young person at a secondary school in Kirkintilloch.
What is your role at East Dunbartonshire Council, and how do you fit mentoring into your working week?
I work in the education team as an inclusion officer and used to be a teacher. My job is to advise schools on all things ASN. My job can often be stressful and busy, so sometimes it can be a little challenging to fit mentoring in, but it’s still manageable. Once I’m there at the school with my mentee, it’s great and I get so much enjoyment out of it.
Have you noticed a difference in the young person you mentor?
I think the bond we have has helped reduce my mentee’s anxiety, just him having someone to listen to him has made a difference. I’ve helped him to manage friendships, and have been able to give him a different perspective on things. He knows he can share any of his problems with me about school or other things.
What do you gain from mentoring?
I get a lot from it as I’m able to use the skills I’ve learned in my own work, and I’ve definitely gained more skills too. When I first met him he was so anxious. Having someone to talk to on a weekly basis, judgement free, I think has helped him.
What is your favourite part of being a mentor?
Being able to help – if I can find a way to help I will. My mentee doesn’t like studying, so we work together to help him find his own way to do things. I’m able to give him wee tips that he can take and apply to his own life.
Can you recall a particular moment where you could see the relationship build?
My mentee is actually a year younger than my son. Although they’re quite different people, it’s given me a little insight into the life of a teenager. My mentee is very into music, but quite heavy/grungy stuff. I have a really old CD player I got for peanuts on Facebook Marketplace. One day we were talking about it together, and I’d been telling him how great the speakers sounded on my CD player. A few weeks later, he told me he had bought a cassette/CD player out of the charity shop too! He likes vinyl records too so we’ve got a lot in common.
What would you say to others about mentoring and why should they get involved?
It makes you stop in your tracks and take the time to just sit with your mentee. There’s no way I’d take that time out of my working week otherwise. My pathways coordinator told me that when I was off sick, my mentee was asking when I’d be back. That tells you that you must be making a difference. For me it’s amazing just to be making some difference. I’d say to others not to be too hard on yourself if you feel you are not making a huge impact because teenagers don’t always let you know directly. Go with the flow and just be a good role model for them, the rest will happen.
