Public Testimonials

Posted on 01/02/2017

As part of the feedback we gather each year, we like to ask our Volunteer Mentors if mentoring has improved their understanding of the issues facing young people, and if so how.

Here, we have collated choice pieces of feedback from across 2016, to show what difference mentoring can make to the mentor as well as the mentee.

Has mentoring improved your understanding of the issues facing young people and, if so, how?

“Yes it has. We forget as adults that children don’t have the maturity to think the way we do. By building their self esteem and allowing them to realise that their opinions are valued, no matter how naïve they may seem to us, we are helping build a more confident person.”

I think it taught me that the questions children have are fundamental questions about how the world works and how they fit in it. Those are some Aristotle sized questions on very little shoulders.

“You realise that what is to me a minor issue is a HUGE issue for the mentee. I enjoy devising strategies to help them enter overcome their problems.”

Absolutely – the pressures of social media and being constantly judged (in their eyes) and always in touch with others creates anxiety in some kids. Being able to cut off and be present with family and friends without the constant interference of technology is drastically missing.

“Each individual have their own issues and as different as they may be the way they adapt to a problem is purely by having someone to talk to and to believe in them.”

Self-harm seems to be commonplace. All but one of the children I have mentored has done it. It seems to be acceptable amongst this generation and is considered to be a ‘normal’ response. Sometimes it’s even competitive between friends who use it as a bonding mechanism for group friendships.

“Yes, I understand that not only is being a teenager hard within itself, it is also very hard coping with family life and problems that maybe not everyone has to deal with and how children carry the burden almost of these problems yet still have to carry on with school.”

I’ve found the skills that I have picked up through mentoring have already helped me immensely, and I am very grateful for this!

“It has helped me dealing with a range of life experiences outside my own.”

“Shown what a huge impact social media has and peer pressure has on young people. Pressure to conform is still high.”

“We never cease to learn as mentors.”

“By undertaking a 1-2-1 with [my mentee] it is clear there are many issues facing him.”

“Every time you meet someone new you develop a better understanding.”

“P is in Year 6 at Primary School so is still in a very supportive and caring environment. I am aware that he does have the challenge of moving from a small school to a much larger school where he will need to be more self-motivated and self-sufficient.”

“Young people seem to have varied and somewhat complex issues arising from family/school/peer relationships.”

Completely! I was not aware of some situations that effect children and feel I would not have without having done this mentoring I’m sure I have many more issues to face beyond my current mentee.

“Talking to a youngster lets you find out about their issues and what things mean to them/how they are affected by things that go on in their life and I have tried to help J – giving advice or just letting him talk things through.”

Yes these special children need us so much.

S has highlighted for me just how much children soak in. S is so observant but does not cognitively know what to do with what she sees. The main thing I have learnt from her is that you cannot protect children from the world, just try and give them a little understanding.

“Every child matters and this just makes me realise that our role is important to help them along their journey.”

I think it has enabled me to practice finding those small clues given by these mini humans that tell us how they think, feel and see the world. I have cherished the little wins I have experienced along the way.

“I have mentored many different children over the last few years and have received very positive feedback that demonstrates the benefit of mentoring these young people.”

I feel what I am doing actually makes a difference to these young people, and they know that I will be there to listen to them and will always help when I can.

“I have become more aware of the pressure on young people via social media and the pressure to have the right phone, or other gadget.”

“Working closely with young people gives you great insight into the challenges they face.”

“We all lead busy lives and it is important to have special time with someone. If not the family then a mentor can talk through issues and give them that time.”

“I would say that mentoring makes the difference between knowing the issues young people face theoretically and actually experiencing them through talking with the mentee.”

“I realise trust takes time and so just understanding all the day to day issues that young people face both in and outside the home.”

“A snapshot of observations I have made include…
• Interactions between peers are dominated by technology. So I wonder whether children are developing the right skills to deal with people in person.
• Learning in academic institutions whether college or school seems to bring immense pressure which they can’t always cope with. I wonder whether living in a world where so much is readily available doesn’t adequately prepare some teens for a situation where they can’t always have what they want or see. Since when this happens, some children collapse completely. This generation of teens seems a little brittle.”

How horrendous online bullying is for them and the ongoing impact it has on their lives. Think a much, much more robust approach should be taken towards it by schools, police and social media NOW.

“As an outsider, you don’t always realise the tough times children are going through.”

“Hugely rewarding.”

It’s been surprising how many children are suffering social problems in today’s society. This includes having to use food banks, cramped housing and no housing.

“It has given me a bigger picture of young people issues today that I haven’t had in my family.”

“Each individual has their own issues and as different as they may be the way they adapt to a problem is purely by having someone to talk to and to believe in them.”

“Life can be very hectic for youngsters; they are expected to be involved with so much, not just in school but with extracurricular activities too.”

I have noticed a lot of issues that sadly children shouldn’t have to worry about, for example lack of confidence & family concerns. If talking to a child helps improves their concerns than that’s great.