Mentor Me gets national recognition

WARRINGTON Borough Council’s “Mentor Me” project has achieved national recognition.
The Mentor Me project matches volunteer mentors with young people aged 16-19 who are currently not in education, employment or training. The mentors meet weekly with the young people to help them to apply for jobs or places in training or education, or to find placements as volunteers.
Now the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation has accorded Warrington’s Mentor Me project its Approved Provider Standard.
The assessor from the Mentoring and Befriending Society commented that “a stand-out for the project is its training and support for volunteers.
“Young people said that their mentors had helped them with confidence issues, motivation, helping them to focus on their career options…
“Young people who were interviewed were able to confirm … that the mentoring had focused on their needs and desired outcomes…”
The assessor added that “project staff are committed to managing the safety of those involved in the project” and that “the project offers a good structure of supervision and support … and plenty of opportunities to attend additional training.”
The council’s assistant director for children’s and young people’s targeted services, Fiona Waddington, said: “A mentor can help a young person to find a job, start college, find a training course, look for an apprenticeship, get involved in volunteering, build skills and confidence, get information, advice and guidance, talk about problems, keep motivated and celebrate their successes.
“Mentors are all ages and all types of people. They are volunteers and won’t be paid; they just want to help you be the best that you can be. A mentor can meet you at the park, in a café or at a youth club – mentoring doesn’t have to happen in an office.”
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor can contact the council’s Brighter Futures team on 01925 851029 or email [email protected].