Debbie Bousfield: Senior Claims Negotiator - AXA Insurance plc

AXA Insurance has a special relationship with Westhoughton High School under the EBP's Adopt-A-School scheme. However, that commitment doesn't prevent employees from  volunteering as mentors at other local schools. Recently we spoke to Debbie Bousfield who mentors at Smithills School in Bolton and asked what prompted her to become a mentor... A lot of students are not sure what life is like when they leave school and enter the big wide world. I try and give them an idea of what it could be like and what to expect when they leave school so it's not so much of a big shock.

I felt motivated to become a mentor because I didn’t really have much involvement with young people of this age and I wanted to offer some help.

EBP: What kind of help do you give?

I have discussed their favourite classes that they enjoy at school. I encourage them to keep motivated and focus on what they want to do when they leave school. The boy I mentor is studying cookery and wants to be a chef when he leaves. I also have an interest in this as a hobby and so we discuss dishes and occasionally swap recipes. I also try to keep him focussed on other subjects that he may not be so good at and the importance of passing his exams. Sometimes we talk about other things that are not necessarily school related. I think everyone needs a friendly ear to talk about anything sometimes.

EBP: Would you encourage others to give it a go?

I would recommend that others get involved there are lots of benefits to this. I have already involved other colleagues at work with some of the events which help prepare students when they leave school.

EBP: How do you benefit by being a mentor?

I enjoy going up to the school and feel that I am also benefiting from the visits. I feel this is a good opportunity for me to mix with students, normally I would only mix with adults. It gives me an opportunity to use my communication skills and keeps me in touch with what's going on with students at that age.

If you would like to help a young person and develop your own skills, consider mentoring. It only takes about an hour of your time each month. Contact the Mentoring Coordinator for further information on 01204 375790.