Promoting Social Inclusion by Enabling Individuals and Developing Communities
Person Description
CARD works with men aged over 21yrs serving sentences in Exeter Prison of under 12 months. It is likely that alongside being motivated to make positive changes that will keep them out of prison, there will be associated issues such as drug or alcohol use, family or social challenges, mental or physical health concern or others.
To work well and safely it is necessary that mentors can demonstrate some of the following qualities, although all essential information is covered in training.
- Over 25yrs of age.
- Life experience and insight. Have you been around the block a few times and now know a better route?
- Non-judgemental approach to others, see the bigger picture.
- Confident communicator.
- A good role model.
- Willing to learn and motivate others.
- To work as part of a team and within clearly defined boundaries.
- Living a stable life for at least one year following detox, and a crime free life for at least two years following release from prison or expiry of Supervision Order/ Licence or Police Charge.
- Non-directive approach, can you listen and not put your own needs first?
Role Definition
Volunteer mentors are at the heart of a larger professionally managed team of Probation and Community workers.
Mentoring is a 1:1 non-judgemental relationship. It is about common sense, life experience, a value system, being practical, knowing your limitations and how to find specialist help. It is not about giving advice or sorting out problems, rather to ‘stand beside’, ‘to walk the journey with’ and give added confidence and support as well as a little help in the right direction when needed.
If you choose to join us then the following points will form a necessary and central part of your role.
- Ability to complete application process and to stick with it for at least 9 months after training.
- To commit a minimum of 2 hours a fortnight, and ideally once a week,
to meet with your mentee.
Mentees volunteer to be part of CARD. It is important that we do not intentionally let them down. - To meet at least once a month with the Mentor Co coordinator who will
provide support and oversight.
Mentoring can be a challenge. We want it to be a positive experience for all concerned. - Adherence to Policies and Procedures covered during training. These include:
Confidentiality, Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, Expenses and what
to do if there is a problem.
These help keep the relationship safe and effective. - Focus to stay on the mentee and their goals
The purpose is to enable the mentee to make positive changes in ways they choose. - Keep brief notes on content of meetings
This helps to review progress and is necessary for monitoring. - To keep within the law and guidelines set out in CARD Mentors Code of Practice.
Recruitment Process
- Volunteer contacts CARD
- Application Form sent out and returned.
- Offer of a meeting with the Mentor Coordinator to discuss what is involved, and to answer any questions.
Either:
Volunteer doesn’t want to proceed/isn’t suitable
Or:
Place secured on next training course
References followed up
Training completed.
- Discussion with Mentor Coordinator on suitability for mentoring with CARD Project. It is possible that in some cases a volunteer may successfully complete the training but be considered unsuitable to become a mentor with CARD.
- Mentor introduced to mentee and work begins.
