From time to time we all need a helping hand. Sometimes asking for help can be one of the hardest things to do. This section of the website is here to help you with any questions which you may have regarding the world of work, and all the resources to get you there.
All this information is a great help, but remember, if you are finding it difficult, or things are getting tough, speak to someone. It's what mentoring is all about.
Frequently Asked Questions
This area is here to help answer all the questions that are involved in being part of a mentoring scheme. Whether you are a mentor, a mentee or just interested in finding out more about peer mentoring, these answers should help you find out what is involved. If you have any questions that haven't been answered on this page or on the rest of the website then please feel free to submit a question and we'll do our best to answer it and post it up here.
- What is the program about?
- Why should I become a mentor?
- Do I need special skills to be a mentor?
- How will I know if I'm making a difference?
- What if I run out of things to do with my mentee?
- What if a situation arises that I don't know how to handle?
- How am I matched to my mentor/mentee?
What is the programme about?
The National Peer Mentoring Pilot is a two year, DfES (Department for Education and Skills) funded programme which will evaluate the effectiveness of peer mentoring in schools across England. 180 schools are taking part in the pilot where they will be delivering a peer mentoring project under one of the four main themes of Attainment, Behaviour, Bullying and Transition. Schools taking part are being supported throughout the two years by appointed regional support agencies. These support agencies will provide guidance and support to the schools, whilst also monitoring the projects.
Why should I become a mentor?
Being a mentor can have a huge range of benefits. From gaining personal satisfaction in making a difference to the life of someone else, to understanding the needs of someone and helping them to realise and achieve their goals. Being a mentor can also help you to develop your own skills. Many skills are learnt while helping someone else, but they are transferable to other areas of life such as the world of work, or even just being more organised and positive. Giving a small amount of time can make a huge difference in the life of another, even half an hour a week can help. And don't forget that mentoring is about having fun!
Do I need special skills to be a mentor?
Mentoring isn't about being having a special talent - it's about being someone who is patient, a good role model, a good listener and someone who is there. More importantly it's about being you.
How will I know if I'm making a difference?
This question can be difficult to answer. Sometimes changes are made over a period of time and it is not always easy to spot. We all think that if there isn't an immediate impact then it's not working. You will notice over time that the little things you have done in the past have made a lasting impact on your mentee and these are the differences that can change the life of someone. Being patient is one of the best tools for a mentor.
What if I run out of things to do with my mentee?
Don't panic! This website is packed with fun and exciting things to do in the mentoring session. If you are part of the pilot scheme, your school co-ordinator will also have access to the resource pack which has been created and is full of ideas for you. If you need any other ideas have a look on the Useful Links section which will point you in the right direction.
What if a situation arises that I don't know how to handle?
If a situation arises you will always have a designated member of staff in the school that you can go to. As a mentor you will receive training on this, but remember, you always have someone to go to. Don't leave it up to yourself to handle.
How am I matched to my mentor/mentee?
Each project will link the mentors and mentees together on the basis of the information provided by each party. This is commonly done on profile forms and the co-ordinator will link the students up from the answers given. This can be different in each project. The best person to ask is the co-ordinator who will explain this.
