Mentoring

We have a long standing working relationship with schools and statutory agencies. Having established a successful mentoring programme in schools in Lambeth, CEN is now offering this highly effective project aimed at pupils at risk of exclusion to other schools in London. The programme provides qualified mentors, one to one support and group work as well as a wide range of stimulating workshops and activities.

Contact Mentoring Project Officer Janet Richard on 0207 738 5444 or email her here.

The CEN mentors are matched to young people depending on what the child's needs are and what the mentors own strengths and experiences are. Our mentors are there to listen and offer advice. They engage the young person with new activities and help them make plans for the future. Our mentors are equipped with key insights, knowledge and skills around working with vulnerable young people as well as professionals from diverse backgrounds. We also work with young people who have offended and help them take control of their future.

Mentoring is designed to help support students in achieving their full potential. Mentors work with students to help them to:

• Recognise their strengths;
• Develop their skills;
• Improve their level of achievement;
• Set realistic and realisable goals; and
• Recognise and record their positive achievements.

The young people that require a mentor mostly have a history of offending and challenging behaviour. For some young people involved in the youth justice system, a mentor is someone that they can rely on, trust and someone who will be dependable. We provide extra support and a positive adult role model. The essential ingredient of mentoring is the relationship that is established between the mentor and the young person.

Benefits of having a mentor:

• Receiving the support and guidance of a caring adult;
• Receiving assistance with academic endeavours;
• Experiencing greater self-esteem and motivation to succeed;
• Receiving encouragement to stay in school and graduate;
• Receiving encouragement to avoid the use of drugs and alcohol;
• Improving interpersonal relationships, such as with teachers and family; and
• Receiving assistance in choosing a career path.

“CEN has given me the confidence to express my opinions in class. It has helped me develop a better relationship with teachers and parents. I learnt how to deal with bad situations in school and in my personal life…now I think before I act and I leave a situation to calm down instead of getting involved in a fight.”   Michael, London.

“I learnt self-control, to control my anger, to think about what I’m going to do before I do it. I learnt respect for other people’s property, learnt not to do things like steal from the canteen…..to respect older people, teachers, adults and parents.”  Richard, London.

“I learnt that you can do anything you want to do if you put your mind to it. I learnt how to deal with people who were outside of my group; teachers and other pupils. It helped me to take orders as well. I learnt that it’s not always other people’s fault if you get into trouble. I took responsibility for my own behavior." Crystal, London.