Jeanne Kelly: Independent Consultant - JMK Marketing

Jeanne’s commitment to our mentoring programme is impressive. Her own consultancy business keeps her busy but Jeanne still finds time to meet regularly with young people on a fortnightly or monthly basis. Below she explains why mentoring appeals to her.

I've mentored several young people at different schools in the last 5 years. My aim has always been to help them understand themselves their actions and reactions so they can better manage the changes that life throws at us. Mentoring appeals to me because when I was growing up I didn't have anyone to talk to. I had plenty of people in my family and friends but I didn't want to confide in them. I think I would have benefited from having access to a mentor. I see mentoring as a way of helping young people to grow and develop. I believe it can show them how they can enjoy life and how they can achieve their dreams without doing other people down and without being negative towards others.

Some of the young people I've mentored have had anger management issues and I think by listening to these youngsters and talking situations and issues through, they get the opportunity to understand why people said or did things and how their own reactions to events have affected others.

Without mentoring, some young people may be written down by schools or society as troublemakers and yet with a little help they can become top-rate adults who can contribute in their own way. If I can help just one young person feel better about themselves and their relationships with others then I feel my work as a mentor has been worthwhile.

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