About A4e New Deal mentoring programme
The New Deal Mentoring Programme is an ESF/DWP programme that gives long-term unemployed clients the chance to take advantage of one to one advice to help them find a new job. Whatever the person’s age or background if someone is on a New Deal, Gateway or Follow Through programme he/she can take advantage of New Deal Mentoring. Once registered on the programme, clients are then matched with a dedicated volunteer mentor who offers advice on a client’s personal situation on a weekly basis. The ultimate goal of the programme is to move the client closer to the labour market.
The contract began in July 06 and has so far assisted over 5500 clients, significantly exceeding our targets. 22% have gone into employment, against a target of 20%. Clients are assisted by a team of 270 volunteer mentors who offer support on a broad range of issues from job search, CV writing, housing, confidence building, stress management, literacy & numeracy. The relationship between mentors and clients is facilitated by a team of 14 Mentor Co-ordinators who work across London in providers and community venues.
Who are we looking for?
A4e are seeking enthusiastic, highly motivated volunteers to mentor long-term unemployed people on a weekly basis. Mentors provide support, information and guidance, helping their mentees to gain confidence and overcome the barriers they face in gaining sustainable employment.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is someone who acts in a voluntary capacity as personal advisor on a range of issues. Mentors are matched with clients on the basis of client need and mentor skills set, allowing a client to benefit from supplementary support which often focuses on specific barriers to work.
Key tasks of a Volunteer Mentor
- Establish an independent working relationship of trust and support with beneficiary (the unemployed client); thereby offer advice, challenge and support. This will be an informal peer to peer relationship, to determine appropriate goals, strategies, tactics and action plans.
- Aim to help the beneficiary gain confidence and experience, develop his/her skills, increase his/her employability, find and stay in sustainable employment.
- Offer support and act as a ‘sounding board’ to the beneficiary dealing with employment and training related problems/issues. The relationship between the Mentor and beneficiary, although friendly and supportive, should have clear objectives and be job-focused
- Mentors are also expected to fill out relevant paperwork to demonstrate client’s progress as required.
Training
A4e provide free training to volunteers to support their personal and professional development. Additionally, after one month of mentoring, volunteers will be able to opt for City & Guilds recognition certificate as a ‘’Community Mentor’’.
Requirements
All mentoring sessions take place Mon – Fri between 9:30am - 4:30pm at one of our locations. The minimum commitment we require is 3-6 hours per week for a minimum duration of 6 months.
Locations: Hounslow, Wembley, Finchley, Barnet, Palmers Green, Wood Green, Tottenham Hale, Ilford, Romford, Stratford, East Ham, Poplar, Woolwich, Greenwich, Lewisham, Eltham, Mitcham and Croydon.
The procedure of becoming a volunteer is very simple:
Once interested, please e-mail Milana your CV & cover letter stating preferred location on
a4ementoring@a4e.co.uk or phone for more info on 02087469031.
Case Studies
One of the most recent Mentoring success stories in Hounslow has been a client who had seen one of mentors regularly to build her confidence tackle her anxiety, which had in the past prevented her from attending interviews and even leaving home. On the advice of her doctor, she started to see a mentor regularly, which set a routine for her and developed her people skills and confidence out of her comfort zone. She was encouraged to attend a work placement for a job applied for with her mentor, where she flourished, and consequently gained permanent work.
Mentoring has also involved supporting clients
with learning difficulties and mental health problems on some occasions. We had a client who found it very difficult to communicate and despite seeking our support was very distressed an unable to explain his situation. His condition deteriorated breaking down one day in pain, and with the help of his tutor at Skills Training his mentor contacted the Mental Health unit with his permission, as he was unable to himself. We accompanied him for an assessment, as he was afraid to go alone, which found he was taking incorrect medication. He has been put back in contact with his family as given the right support now. His New Deal Adviser has expressed her thanks to us for supporting him and making them aware of the situation.
We have also advised and supported a client with a
speech impediment, for whom his mentor researched the help available for him and practised various techniques weekly. He has seen a great improvement, especially as he felt that it has affected the outcome of some interviews, despite his experience. He has since found employment as a Barman and getting regular support with his speech.