School Mentor

Mireya Ferrer
Volunteering Dec 14, 2023 0

School Mentor Role Description

What?

We are looking for volunteer mentors who support young people at one of the high schools we are currently working with (see below). As a mentor, you would be matched to a S2-S4 (12-15 years) young person from one of the schools.

Where?

Craigroyston Community High School (Muirhouse/Pilton), St Thomas of Aquins High School (near The Meadows) or Leith Academy (in Leith). Depending on the mentees preference and level of comfort, mentoring sessions could take place inside the school building or in a nearby public setting such as a café, a library, or a park.

When and how long for?

3-12 months – 1 hour weekly; although this will be flexible and may fluctuate to meet school timetables and mentor availability. Mentors will have to be available to meet with the young person within school hours so a degree of flexibility and availability during the day is essential. (Core hours: 9 to 15:00)

What does Project Scotland do?

Across Scotland we support people (primarily young people) to reach their potential through tailored support, mentoring and volunteering.

Mentoring
What do mentors do?

• Be a mentor to a young person who has been identified by the school as an individual who would benefit from the experience of having mentor.
• Meet your mentee weekly during school hours, in the school building or within the local community, for up to 1 hour.
• Be an active listener and offer support and encouragement when appropriate.
• Acknowledging the young person’s strengths, talents and gifts and encouraging them to find ways to use them.
• Be a positive role model and develop a healthy, trusting relationship through clear communication and appropriate boundary setting.
• Assist the young person to identify personal goals and aims and support them to work towards these in a planned and thought through way, e.g., through building self-esteem,
feeling more confident in social situations, expressing themselves effectively, recognising personal strengths, exploring future career/further education options.
• Follow Project Scotland Policies & Procedures as detailed in induction and training.
• Attend training sessions as required, submit monthly mentor logs, and meet with dedicated staff member for support when necessary.

What’s in it for me?

• Help transform the life of a young person.
• Enhance communication and interpersonal skills e.g.,coaching, motivating others, adaptability.
• Gain transferable skills and experience volunteering with disadvantaged young people.
• Participate in regular support and training.
• Meet new people and have fun!
• Learn about yourself and gain a sense of achievement supporting others.
• Give back to the community.

Skills and experience we are looking for:

• Self-motivated, reliable, and organised individuals.
• Flexible, patient, and resolute mentors.
• Being emphatic and understanding of the challenges a young person might face.
• A positive attitude.
• Supportive and encouraging approach that can help young people recognise and reach their potential.
• Ability to provide constructive helpful feedback.
• Ability to relate to young people, build rapport and trust.
• Active listening skills.
• Ability to inspire, empower and motivate.

What training and support is provided?

• ‘Get Ready to Mentor’ training workshop.
• Safeguarding Training.
• Support from a single point of contact.
• Ongoing support through webinars/mentoring resources and toolkit.
• Additional, optional workshops.
• A community of wonderful mentors across the city to connect with.

What are the safeguarding requirements?

• A PVG membership or update is required at no cost to volunteer mentor.
• Character references will be required.

Who do I contact?

Mandy Wright (Mentor Project Worker)
Mandy.wright@volunteeringmatters.org.uk
07377 692 427

Is there a website?

https://www.projectscotland.co.uk/
https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/

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