Mentors provide secondary school students with a very valuable additional adult support person. A mentor can be many things - a positive role model, an adviser and an experienced friend. They can listen, encourage and inspire.
The Consortium recruits volunteers from businesses and the local community to be mentors to young people in Basingstoke and Deane schools. Mentors work on a one to one basis with a student and "are matched with each other" based on shared interests.
All mentors are trained and supported throughout the programme by the Consortium and the school's mentoring co-ordinator.
What does mentoring involve?
- Meeting a young person periodically in school
- Taking an interest in the young person's progress at school
- Communication in a fun, informal way
What commitment is needed?
- Two hours for an initial mentor training session in school
- Half-day free induction training course
- Free Enhanced CRB check
- Time for a 1/2 hr - 1hr meeting every two weeks
- Willingness to establish a relationship with a youngster over one or two school years
- The support of your employer
Mentoring makes a difference because:
The young person:
- Gains self confidence and is better motivated
- Receives individual support and encouragement
- Develops communication and time planning skills
- Improves his or her achievements at school
- Gains a window into the world of work
- Learns to appreciate the personal qualities sought by employers
- Acquires a sense of his or her place in the adult community
"Mentoring is very helpful, it keeps you focused and gives you a goal - a sort of positive nagging!"
Ben Haley, Student
Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College
What makes a good mentor?
Anyone can be a mentor if they are enthusiastic, patient and can relate to young people.
An ideal mentor might be some
of these:
- Interested
- Approachable
- A good communicator
- Reliable
- Positive
- Realistic
A mentor does NOT have to be:
- A manager
- An expert on education
- A graduate
- A trained counsellor
- Under the age of 30
- A parent of teenage children!
The Mentor
- Has a chance to help local youngsters
- Gains a sense of achievement
- Explains the world of work and its priorities
- Gains insight into the concerns of young people
- Gains a clearer understanding of the education system
- Refines communication skills
The Mentor's Employer
- Makes a valuable contribution to the local community
- Develops links with local educational establishments
- Benefits from staff development
- Gains good PR
- Develops an enhanced understanding of the education system
"Mentoring is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Just being able to help a young person achieve their potential is immensely satisfying - find out about it, you won't regret it."
Gillian Clark, Owner
Clark Recruitment
How do I get involved?
You can either:
email us at info@bas-consort.org.uk,
telephone us on 01256 840710
or complete our application form.
If you are a business and would like to display our poster on your premises please click here and print.
Basingstoke Consortium is a member of Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.
