What the students say about mentoring

How do we know mentors make a difference? There are many ways to measure the impact of a mentoring relationship. For example... changes in a student’s attitude to learning an increase in confidence improved school attendance less conflict with peers even GCSE results Many of these measures are subjective and students are influenced by many factors. At Bolton & Bury EBP we think the best judges are the students themselves. Of course, it would be overly optimistic to suggest that every mentor-student relationship has a positive outcome. However, below are just a few comments from students about their experience of mentoring.

What students say about mentoring...

“I have found out how to revise properly and it has given me the courage to do well and believe in myself” - Natalie		“He has given me ideas for the future and helped me a lot with different things” - Abby
“Mentoring has helped me to be more confident when speaking to new people… I find it easier to talk to people” - Danielle		“If you have a problem you can talk to them and get advice… when I have had a problem they have helped me to solve it” - James
“It gives me a chance to talk about what I am feeling… he has helped me understand more about why teachers go mad at me and why it is important to do your homework” - Jonathan		“It has helped me to understand what getting a job would be like and how hard I would have to work and the way I would have to behave” - Liam

Make a difference: be a mentor

• Can you listen in a non-judgemental way?
• Do you have a friendly manner?
• Are you willing to share your experiences and knowledge of working life?
• Can you offer one hour of your time each month?

If the answer is yes, you can make a difference in young person’s life. No qualifications are required as full training and support will be given. (Volunteers must submit to an Enhanced CRB Disclosure)

To discover more information about becoming a mentor contact the Mentoring Coordinator on 01204 375790.