Sarah Perris on Mentoring

Sarah Perris.

            It was touch and go as to whether Sarah would be able to give us her talk due to a chest infection which had culminated in the loss of her voice. Fortunately for us her voice had improved and she was able to deliver in a very eloquent manner an explanation of the mentoring a few of our members are involved with principally at Brine Leas and Malbank schools.

          Sarah kept the members spellbound as she gave vivid descriptions of the type of social requirements many young people have and how we can help. Sarah gave examples of, of course in a confidential manner, of young people with various issues of low self-esteem, low self-belief, medical issues, bullying, abuse, stress and anxiety.

       “Mentoring has helped in school because it allows me to focus on important subjects”

        “Mentoring teaches you better ways of dealing with situations which are worrying”

          “Mentoring allows you to be more confident with talking to teachers and family members about your fears”

           “Mentoring has helped me speak with self-confidence to help solve any worries or concerns I have, but also to find ways to solve the problem on my own”    

All feedback from the young people involved in the mentoring scheme, makes it worthwhile.

Sarah explained that the best qualification as a mentor is the ability to listen and whilst not every mentor was a success, the time devoted to the scheme was very worthwhile and would encourage all of us to get involved.

The timing of the talk was very apt taking place in the week of children in need when we all become even more aware of the needs of society, particularly those of young people.   

Robert Eardley