Become a Mentor

The role of Peer Mentors

People come into services for many reasons. Once they’re in the first step has been taken on the road to recovery though most cannot see it at the time.

For many people who enter services the most difficult thing is to begin to believe that they can make positive changes, that there is a way out of the situation they are in. In fact it is often the case that the service believes that a person can change before they do.

One of the things that can help is to meet someone who has ‘been there’ and who has made some of those changes, someone who is living proof that there is a way out.

Peer mentors share their stories with others and offer support to people beginning their recovery journeys. Offering friendship and encouragement, peer mentors play a valuable role in motivating others and helping to build social skills and contacts.

Peer mentors are different from professional staff and the focus is on building a supportive friendship. This is often first step in building a social circle. Such a network of friends is key to recovery, friends are people who you have fun with and who will offer you support even when you are out of treatment.

“Without the encouragement of Lorraine I would never have come to the group, the environment is safe and the groups have helped me develop my confidence and I have recently started computer studies course. We all seem to have a lot of fun!  I understand this is early days for me, but it’s the longest I’ve been sober since the age of 16.”

– Cally

The benefits of being a peer mentor

Once on the road to recovery, people begin to think about the future. Many begin to think about helping others, about giving something back and areas of their lives such as employment, further personal development and growth. Becoming a Peer Mentor can be a great way to take that next step on the road to recovery.

“I am working towards becoming a volunteer [Peer Mentor].  Once I have become a volunteer [Peer Mentor] I can help support others who have problems with drugs or alcohol.  I am now using negative experiences in a positive way. I am a living example that there is light at the end of the tunnel!”

– Lorraine

Training

Our Peer Mentor training course is a nationally recognised award accredited by Certa. Adding this to your CV is for many, the first step on a  pathway  which can build assets to support the search for further education and  training  or employment. Information on our Aspire course can be found by clicking here

Experience and Development

The practical experience Peer Mentoring offers is varied but can include;

• Developing new skills – communication, leadership, organisational skills
• Experience of taking responsibility and valuing your achievements
• Get involved in local, regional and even national events/activities
• Building self-confidence and combating boredom
• Having fun
• Meeting new people and make new friends
• Experience of working with other people

Having been through his personal battle with dependence Rick offered support and guidance  to people struggling with their own addiction to drugs or alcohol. For two years he continued to help build the recovery community in Scunthorpe which culminated in him receiving the High  Sheriff of Lincolnshire Award for his services.

Rick is now in full time employment.