What is a mentor? The benefits of mentoring

In simple terms, we can define a mentor as ‘someone who is able to use their knowledge and experience to help and advise someone else who is not as experienced, for the benefit of all involved in the relationship.’

A good mentoring relationship benefits the mentee and the mentor, helping them to develop their skills and personal growth. The benefits can also be seen for those around them, such as family, friends and their school or local environment.

Real United mentors been selected for their valuable knowledge and life experiences, as well as for their people skills and experience in engaging with young people and other groups in the community. This puts them in a unique position to relate to and reach out to young people, and help to support them by listening, offering feedback and setting up realistic practical goals.

All our mentors are screened prior to starting work for us and are trained in Mentoring Skills and Safeguarding Young People procedures, and work within Real United’s own policies and procedures. Some may also hold qualifications in youth work, childcare & education and psychology or sociology.