Information for Volunteers

What is Mentoring?

A Mentor has come to mean a loyal, wise, a trusted teacher and friend (Dondero, 1997) A mentor is any caring, mature person who forms a one-to-one relationship with someone in need. A mentor is defined as one who listens to, cares for, gives advice to, and shares information and life/career experience with another, especially a young person requiring assistance.

Mentor’s provide support in academic and social development. They serve as role models, offering friendship, guidance, and stability (Bandura, 1977). Mentors represent a commitment to values and they promote a sense of personal worth, foster self-realisation, help broaden opportunities and assist in making intelligent choices.

A ‘Mentee under the Children Act 2001 is a child or young person aged between 12 to 18 years who has come before the Court. Mentees will be under the supervision of a Probation Officer.

Mentoring with Le Chéile

Le Chéile looks for volunteers aged 20 or over, with an interest in working with young people aged 12-18. We ask you to give 3 hours a week. You will also be asked to attend case supervision and ongoing training.

Mentors are assigned a young person for a period of approximately 6 months to 2 years. For the first 6- 8 weeks the mentor and mentee focus on getting to know each other through social activities. After this point they meet with the co-ordinator and try to set some goals such as helping the young person build their self-esteem, motivating them to engage in education or employment, etc.

Mentors should enjoy working with young people, be non-judgmental, un-biased in their approach and have a good understanding of young people and the issues and challenges with which they are faced. We are looking for men & women from all walks of life and do not expect you to have any specific educational qualifications as training will be provided.

For more information and an application pack, please click here.