How Does It Work?
Looking at the Options
Options for individuals in contact with the mentoring service may be discussed at any stage of the service, but will always be considered when planning goals.
- Signposting in general: Many people who make contact, or who are introduced to the service, have simply been out of touch for a while with what is available or going on locally and would like to know about existing community activities or groups. The mentor will provide the information they need, help people to make contact with whoever they choose, introduce them on a first occasion if requested, and help to resolve any transport (or other logistical) problems. The mentor may also stay in touch for a while.
- Signposting to other services: If appropriate, mentors will discuss the variety of voluntary sector services available to people. The mentor’s links with the network of voluntary sector organisations ensures that each individual is signposted to the service that best suits their needs and choice, whether it is a carer’s group, volunteer visiting scheme, health training group, support group for specific health issues, day centre or lunch club.
- Making information easier: Some people want more information (on issues such as health, practical help in the home, or professional services) but do not or cannot find the information they need. The mentor will guide people to make best use of information sources such as ‘My Devon’, the Devon County Council Customer Service Centre, or may personally introduce people to particular services and follow-up to ensure satisfaction. Mentors work closely with ‘My Devon’ to help those who do not normally use such a service.
- Activity group: Some people do not find that existing community clubs and groups are what they need. They want small, friendly, informal groups, similar to the work of Upstream in Mid Devon, where creative and social activities lead to increased confidence and gradual independence. These groups are specifically started in local, often isolated communities, close to people’s homes to make access easier, and encourage people to develop their own interests and social networks. Over three to four months, people gradually take on responsibility for sustaining the group themselves and the mentor withdraws to the role of occasional support.
- Therapeutic Support Group: Some people may benefit from a more structured, time limited group, focussing on shared issues and experiences and identifying strategies for coping with them.
- Home-based activity: Some people are housebound and need an activity in their home. The mentor will help to make arrangements for the first two to three months and will help the participant to make contact with other people with similar interests who might visit the participant’s home or stay in contact by phone, post or email.
