Scottish Mentoring Network, YMCA Scotland and intandem have announced a new project
Three charities are working together to examine what mentoring support care experienced young people can access.
Scottish Mentoring Network, in partnership with YMCA Scotland and intandem (Inspiring Scotland), are working on mapping the mentoring provision for care experienced children and young people. The organisations hope that, by mapping an accurate picture of where and how mentoring services are currently available to care experienced children and young people, they will be able to identify if there any current gaps in provision. The partnership will look at how the organisations can work with the current service providers to ensure that all care experienced children and young people have equal access to a mentoring opportunity.
The Independent Care Review, published in February 2020, set out a vision for change in Scotland built on five foundations: voice, family, care, people and scaffolding.
Many of Scottish Mentoring Network’s member organisations and national project partners have expressed their commitment to Keeping The Promise and bringing about real change since its publication.
Sarah Barr, Scottish Mentoring Network’s project lead on this work, has just launched a survey which will enable mentoring services to contribute to the mapping exercise. This vital information will enable SMN to understand the ways that young people with care experience can access a mentor. It will also help SMN to make vital recommendations on what can be done to stop any care experienced young person from falling through the cracks - we want to ensure that everyone who needs a mentor can access one.
She said: “We are really excited to have been awarded funding to enable us undertake this vital piece of work. We know the positive impact that the mentoring services we work with have on the lives of Scotland’s young people and by contributing to this project you will be helping to ensure these opportunities are equally available across the country."
Susie White, intandem (performance advisor), Inspiring Scotland, said: “Mapping mentoring provision will provide a clear picture of the current support available across Scotland. By working together to understand what mentoring services are available and where, we can build better connections across the sector to complement each other’s work and, most importantly, ensure young people get the support they want and need at the right time.”
Colin MacFarlane, YMCA Scotland, said: "YMCA Scotland is delighted to be working in partnership with the Scottish Mentoring Network and Inspiring Scotland's Intandem project to map the current provision of mentoring opportunities for care experienced young people. Participating in this work will enable the partnership to identify areas where young people need additional or new opportunities to access mentoring support and the potential to work together to address need."
You can take part in the survey online.
