Jean Cummings: Quality Manager - Royal Bolton Hospital

As a long-standing volunteer mentor at Mount St Joseph Business & Enterprise College in Farnworth, Jean explains why she feels mentoring is important... I consider mentoring is important because it is very easy for young people to be distracted from their studies and influenced unduly by peers if they get in with the wrong crowd. They will sometimes listen to people from outside their family circle, who have no personal involvement with them, rather than parents, who always seem to be telling them what to do.  EBP: What motivated you to become a mentor? I was recruited by one of the teachers I know. My kids went to the Mount, and have done very well educationally and I felt I might be able to help others to do equally well, with some guidance.

I don't remember anyone ever really telling me that it was important to take study seriously when I was at secondary school, and I left school without any qualifications. It wasn't unusual at the time though, as secondary schools weren't really geared to O levels and such. I think I may have listened to an outsider, it might have made more of an impression on me.

I just listen mostly, and most seem to appreciate someone taking their opinion seriously. We talk about whatever seems important to them e.g. family, friends, social interests, sport, shopping, holidays, ambitions, family/relationship problems (not really contentious things, mainly conflict with parents/siblings/money). I don't spend too much time talking about school work but I do always ask them how their studies are going in subjects I know they like and those I know they are struggling with or don't like the teacher etc. At the end of the period of mentorship I always ask them what, if anything, they got out of it.

I feel privileged to share in the development and observe the maturation of talents and the path of young people's lives. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable and I don't always feel we are getting anywhere but occasionally I get a real sense of pride in their growth.

I would certainly encourage them to consider trying it, it may not suit all, but everyone has something to share from their own experience of being in that situation, especially if they grew through their difficulties. I think mentors don't need to have done particularly well educationally or career wise, so long as they are able to relate to the problems facing teenagers and can spare time to listen to what they have to say.

If you would like more information about becoming a mentor, contact the Mentoring Coordinator on 01204 375790.