Agenda item

The Committee considered a report and presentation on the Peer Mentoring scheme presented by Lesley Baldry, Service Manager and Chris Maughan, Peer Mentor Coordinator (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes). 

The Service Manager explained that the Peer Mentoring scheme was developed to help young people leaving care to build support networks and to feel part of their local community. Chris Maughan, Peer Mentor Coordinator, explained that the ethos of the scheme was that all young people were only one caring adult away from being a success. Links had been made with local businesses including Amazon, who kindly donated IT equipment, as well as colleges and universities, to help to raise the profile of the scheme. The Panel noted the scheme was progressing, with 10 mentors undergoing the recruitment process and training for mentors had been developed, including trauma informed training with the mental wellbeing worker, Nick Barwick.  The scheme linked with the Lifelong Links programme to encourage joined-up working.

Councillor Reed asked whether the scheme included offering work experience, as members may be able to assist to identify volunteering opportunities within their networks. The Peer Mentor Coordinator replied that the scheme was in the initial stages of matching young people with mentors, however, the aim was to encourage volunteering opportunities in the future.

Councillor Hunt suggested that Family Hubs could benefit from having peer mentors. 

Resolved: That the report be noted.