Peer Mentoring

COULD YOU BE A PEER MENTOR?

What exactly is Mentoring?

Job Description
The name 'Mentor' comes from the ancient Greeks and is about two people working together to sort out a problem or to give support. Peer Mentoring is when you work with someone in your own Year group or below and build a relationship of trust and respect.
It can help a person to feel supported at a difficult time, in difficult circumstances or someone faced with circumstances that appear daunting.

What qualities do I need to be a Mentor?

• Confidence
• Enthusiasm
• Good Communication Skills
• Ability to recognise your own limitations and seek help where necessary
• Ability to be supportive
• Trustworthiness
• Ability to be non-judgemental
• Maturity

NOT!

• A gossip
• Or a Glory Seeker
• Or an advice-giver
• Or judgemental

What will the job involve?

• Working with other students 1-2-1 to:
  • Listen to worries/problems
  • Help others to solve their problems
  • Direct them to information and refer for further support
  • Just a chat!

What is the commitment I need to make?

• We expect you to work as a Mentor for at least TWO TERMS.
• You will be given 8 hours of training over a period of time.
• You will need to meet your Mentee regularly in Tutor times
• You will never work without support from the Peer Mentoring Coordinator.

To download the application form click here

To watch the presentation about Peer Mentoring click here

How the scheme works in Bodmin College

This is one of the many opportunities that students have at College to work alongside their peers – and to make a difference.
The scheme is about to enter its fourth year and we are currently recruiting Mentors to replace those leaving. Huge and sincere thanks and good luck to all of you – you really have made that difference!

This year saw 50 students signed on as Mentors and 4 Adult Mentors volunteering from among our Teaching Assistants. On a weekly basis, during Tutor Time, they met with Junior students in 1-2-1 scenarios in various designated locations around College. Peer Mentors were attached to Year 7 Tutor Groups through September supporting ‘Primary/Secondary Transition’ and small groups of Mentees met with Mentors to work on issues such as Bullying, Anger Management and Self Esteem.

Feedback on the value of the programme has come from both Mentor and Mentee alike. The majority of Mentees have found this a terrifically positive experience – helpful, supportive and caring - and they have appreciated the time and attention that their Mentor has given. The Mentors have been both moved and inspired by the privilege of offering quiet and calm interaction to Junior students who may be struggling with some aspects of their education and life journeys just now.

If you are a student reading this in Years 10, 11, or 12 at Bodmin College, you’d like to be a Mentor and you haven’t yet picked up an Application/Information Sheet from Ms Shepperd – please do so.

We’re training in June and again in September. It’s a fabulous opportunity!