PEER MENTORS - WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Fairway is opening up a completely new way of merging new friendships between young adults with and without additional support needs. The peer mentors are offering something back to the community, and have said they feel proud about what they are doing. They feel it has helped to raise their self-esteem and confidence within their own abilities and in working with young adults. Having the opportunity to have the first rung on a career ladder is one of the benefits that is clearly appreciated.
Some peer mentors are planning to study social care and need a number of hours voluntary work or care experience before being accepted onto the course, so volunteering as a peer mentor with the Fairway Project helps to achieve this.
Quotes from peer mentors past and present
“The young adults give me a boost!”
“It has showed me how people work from different walks of life.”
“...helped my communication skills, I have met new people that have became my friends.”
“It has improved my own skills, helping them develop, and given me a great knowledge of what social inclusion means to me.”
“It made me realise that I was isolated too at a stage in my life, and as a result of my interaction with the young adults, I have developed a social life.”
Moreover, as well as being role models and mentors to the young adults, peer mentors all seemed to have learned from the Project in very individual ways.
“I have realised being around young adults with disabilities that my life is not as negative as I thought it was before I became a peer mentor.”
“I learned the problems young adults face in accessing services.”
“it broadened my horizons and my views”
“Whatever disability you have you can still have fun.”
In a recent survey, 100% of the peer mentors said they enjoyed the social aspect of the Project - meeting many new people and making new friends.
What does The Fairway Project offer Peer Mentors?
• Potential to develop career skills and career opportunities
• Opportunity to undertake a Millennium Volunteer and other significant youth achievement awards
• Opportunity to undertake training in mentoring by an approved Scottish Executive provider
• A raised level of understanding of the issues and barriers facing people with additional support needs
• A sense of citizenship and achievement
• Social opportunities
• Life experience
• A chance to go out with their friends for free
• Opportunity to give something back to their community
• Increased self-esteem and confidence
