MATCHING CLIENT TO A MENTOR
Clients join the project or are referred on a voluntary capacity and agree to be matched with a mentor over an agreed period of time. Shaathi carefully matches the client with a mentor with the view to developing a mentoring relationship. Matches are based on the needs of the client, their shared values and interests.
ONE TO ONE SESSIONS
Mentor and client meet up and spend time together on a regular basis (once a week for a minimum of 1 hour). From the outset, an Individual Action Plan (IAP) is drawn up and complied in consultation with each client based on issues, needs and challenges identified as well as hobbies and interests.
WHERE CAN MENTORING TAKE PLACE?
Mentoring can take place at the following locations or venues;
• Idea Stores and public libraries
• Home
• Youth and community centres
• Public parks
• Cafés
• Schools
• Places of Worship
All mentoring sessions take place in a safe, convenient and appropriate venue for the client and the mentor.
HOW LONG DOES THE MENTORING RELATIONSHIP LAST?
A mentoring relationship can last up to six months to one year.
GROUP SESSIONS
Once a month, a group session takes place where staff, volunteers and clients come together to take part in activities/excursions, workshops, training and a residential. This enables the clients, mentors and the staff to share ideas, experiences and opportunities and enjoy their time out. This also contributes towards strengthening the team and improving our services. All the group sessions that take place once a month last for the whole day, depending on the activity or session taking place.
WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
Shaathi facilitates various training courses and workshops on an annual basis which help and enable clients to develop specific skills. This will be based on their needs and aspirations. In the past, Shaathi has facilitated courses such as Community Leaders Award which develops and enhances the participator’s skills and abilities around negotiation, team work, leadership, management and coordination. Workshops are also delivered from time to time to cover other aspects such as Drugs and Alcohol awareness and Healthy Living programmes.
ANNUAL RESIDENTIAL
Annual residential breaks are organised in order to help mentors and participants build rapport and reward participation. Participants and mentors take part in multiple outdoor activities to further develop self awareness, respect, co-operation, interpersonal skills, communication and leadership skills. This also gives participants the opportunity to meet new peers, improve life skills as well as develop positive relationships with their mentor away from their normal surrounding.
MENTORS
Mentors are meticulously assessed, screened and trained before they join the programme. An enhanced CRB check is undertaken prior to them engaging with the client. The majority of the mentors are passionate and active local community members who are either professionals, students, community workers or leaders who want to make a positive contribution to the community.
For the young offenders programme, we have trained and experienced mentors to face and address the challenges that may be presented by the client.