What is Mentoring

Mentoring is defined as 'a structured one-to-one relationship focusing on the needs of the mentee and developed through regular contact over a period of time'. While it should not be confused with coaching, counselling or training, it can contain elements of all of these.

MENFA runs a variety of projects that give opportunity, not just for one-to-one mentoring, but also for one-to-many, many-to-one and many-to-many relationships - typically small groups of less than four. Mentees often meet their mentors through more than one project.

One-to-one mentoring aims to:

* raise and sustain young people’s self esteem and confidence

* encourage young people to reach their full academic potential and to recognise their own skills and abilities

* help young people develop a positive work ethic at school

* enable young people to fully appreciate the benefits of continuing their education beyond the minimum age of compulsory education

* provide a forum where young people can think positively about the future and develop their career aspirations into realistic objectives

* enable young people to benefit from a structured relationship with a responsible adult to act as a positive role model

* encourage stronger links between schools and the wider community

* liaise with cultural organisations to increase awareness of issues related to culture

* encourage former mentees to mentor younger ones

* promote awareness of specific issues such as Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mixed Heritage and Self Identification, Racism and Cultural History

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, find out more here.