Our Mentoring Programme is about making children and young people between the ages of 7 and 12 from BME backgrounds feel safe and supported by other members of their own communities.
On an individual level is about empowering pupils to address a wide range of problems which may include:
- Bullying
- Difficulties in making the transition from primary to secondary school
- Family problems
- Friendship difficulties.
Mentoring often allows children / young people to explore different aspects of their identities and provides a starting point to consider their own skills in supporting others. This will increase the resilience and confidence of BME children / young people.
On a community and school level, peer support can radically improve the atmosphere of a community setting or school, allowing pupils to feel safer and more supported.
One-to-One Mentoring will be provided as required to help build capacity and confidence among BME children and young people. Where possible the mentors will be recruited from children’s / young people's own communities to provide role models.
A Network of Mentors will be created that will enhance the Buy In of the community with BELONG. At the centre, a key member of staff (contact details) will coordinate the network creating spaces to build on the existing knowledge developing the capabilities of the BME sector.