In partnership with Mentor UK and Whitby Community College, the DAYS team initiated a drug and alcohol peer mentoring group within the college, to enable willing volunteer pupils to have the opportunity to learn more about drugs and alcohol, and how to support other pupils who need information and advice.We a
sked volunteers, interested in the drug and alcohol field, to apply for the position of mentor, similarly to applying for a job.
The process involved completing an application form and attending an interview. All of them were enthusiastic about learning something new, supporting others, gaining experience for personal development but most of all, felt they wanted to make a difference.Once selected, the trainee mentors attended training session involving general drug and alcohol awareness, their effects, side effects, the history and the law.
They also learned about important effective listening skills, reducing risk with drug taking and debated various risky scenarios and what advice they could give.The mentors then decided how they wanted to support others using various ideas such as holding lunchtime drop-in sessions and having a questionnaire post box in which pupils could post their queries about drugs.
They also held a presentation to all lower year pupils within their Citizenship lessons, promoting the mentor team and their aims, then getting each group discussing their views and own experiences around drugs, how they would reduce risk and harm and where they can get further support if needed.
The mentors got fantastic feed back from not only us and the college but the pupils they presented to. All mentors said they enjoyed the whole experience, some of whom felt they wanted to follow a career within the drug and alcohol or counselling sector. Others felt the process would definitely support their C.V, gave experience in applying for and being interviewed for jobs, and confidence in working face to face with people.
All have expressed their desire to continue the mentoring throughout 2010 with more ideas of holding information assemblies, email forums and drug specific presentations.