Information on Loughborough

Loughborough Mentoring Scheme Expanded

Posted on 12/06/2008

mentoring

A BENEFICIAL project which helps steer ‘at risk’ youngsters away from anti-social behaviour is being expanded across Charnwood – and new volunteers are now needed.

The Charnwood Mentoring Scheme was set up in parts of Loughborough at the beginning of last year as part of a joint venture between Charnwood 20:20 and the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership.

Six young people from Loughborough were mentored during the 12 month trial - but now the scheme is being expanded across the Borough, more volunteers are required to become mentors.

The Charnwood Mentoring Scheme aims to create a professional friendship between mentors and a disengaged young person and the project has the backing of Charnwood Borough Council and the Local Area Police.

After specialist training, the pairs spend five hours a month in a year-long mentoring relationship – with the ultimate goal of helping them take on a positive community role and enhancing their prospects of education and employment.

Cllr David Snartt, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “This excellent initiative has already made a real difference to six young people and it’s fantastic that it’s now being expanded across the Borough.

“We hope to receive plenty of applications from people wishing to volunteer to become a mentor so we can help more youngsters across Charnwood.”

Wendy Brown, Charnwood Borough Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, added: “Charnwood Borough Council is delighted to be involved in an innovative scheme which seeks to bring about positive change in the lives of young people and provide sustainable solutions for local communities.

“The mentoring scheme involves local voluntary agencies with a strong commitment to community cohesion. It will assist us to deliver alternatives to enforcement action which is, of course, of considerable benefit to the young person.”

Andy Cook, Charnwood 20:20 Project Manager, said the scheme was a fantastic display of the community working together.

He added: “The project provides young people with an opportunity to gain help, encouragement and support from local mentors who are committed and enthusiastic towards making a significant difference to the life of another.

“It will draw those young people who are on the fringes of the community into being active citizens as new and purposeful friendships are born.

“The need for committed and focused mentors is undoubted as their input into a young life can open up windows of opportunity and choice that have not been realised before.

“It will be a challenging process for all concerned. However, the rewards will far outweigh the costs as the changes to lives across the Borough will be visibly seen.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about the scheme, or volunteer as a mentor, can contact Andy Cook from Charnwood 20:20 on (01509) 234 234 or email andy.t.cook@gmail.com.