Mentor training sessions
Training beyond the induction stage will vary according to the project, with programmes adapted to the volunteer’s role. Responsibility in identifying training needs rests with their project manager.
Additional training sessions throughout the programme help to increase mentors’ skills in working with young people. Sessions can be led by staff from local agencies to increase mentors' knowledge of existing services in the area to which they can refer young people (e.g. substance misuse training, sexual health etc).
Here are some ideas for training that may be useful. It is not an exhaustive list, nor are all areas relevant for all projects.
Young people and the law
- Understanding the youth justice system – overview of the roles, the processes and the relevant laws
- Young people’s rights on arrest
- Role of the responsible adult
- Prisons, YOIs and contact with the young person
Drugs
- Understanding drugs and their effects
- Cycles of behaviour and dependency models
- Services within the community and agencies to refer to
Young people and money
- Budgeting
- Welfare benefits
Housing
- Benefits system
- Tenancy rights and responsibilities
- Homelessness – services, rights
Social services
- Role of the social worker
- Being in care and care leavers
- Foster care, adoption and respite services
Advanced communication skills
- Confronting and challenging
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Understanding stress
- Models of motivation
Education
- Role of education welfare
- Special educational needs
- Education programmes for young people
- Pupil referral units
- Understanding exclusion
Job hunting
- Careers services
- Supporting a young person with CV writing and job applications
- Connexions service/strategy
Personal safety
- Home visiting tips – staying safe
- Dealing with young people who may act aggressively
- Handling conflict, challenging appropriately
Other important topics
- Understanding and maximising supervision and support
- Sexuality and sexual health including AIDS awareness
- Youth suicide and prevention
- Equal opportunities – cultural issues/understanding oppression
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