To train and support volunteers to be involved with Young People at risk, either from the Criminal Justice system, Leaving Care or Self-Referral.


PEER MENTORING

During 2008 and 2009 SOVA/Croydon Young People’s Project delivered 4 Open College Network (OCN) accredited peer mentoring training courses to 40 young people living within the London Borough of Croydon. The training consisted of topics such as Boundaries, Every Child Matters, Discrimination, What Young People Experience, Difficult Situations, Time Management, Child Protection, and Listening and Communication skills. Most of the young people were either socially excluded or disadvantaged and therefore unable to achieve their full potential. The training provided a platform for the participants to develop their own skills as well as focussing on self development within a supportive group context. Techniques used to engage the learners included role-play, role reversal techniques, group discussions, brainstorms, pair work and individual/group presentations.

Please see below some comments taken from the daily evaluation forms:

“…I liked the fact that I was able to contribute in discussions and talking to other people is great” .

“…That everyone had a chance to express how they thought. Everyone was included”.

“…Mentoring is professional, don’t give out personal information”.

”The surprise of learning new skills…”

Pauline McGrath
Senior Project Manager

Contract Name: Croydon Childrens Fund
Funder: Croydon Childrens Fund

Contract Name: Croydon Leaving Care Team
Funder: Croydon Social Services Dept.,

Contract Name: Croydon Seconded
Funder: Croydon Youth Offending Team

Contract Name: Croydon YOT Partnership
Funder: Croydon Social Services Dept.,

Contract Name: The Cascade Project
Funder: Croydon Council