The Hackney Schools' Mentoring Programme links Hackney school pupils in Year 10 (aged 14-15 years) with adults, in order to help students widen their aspirations, gain self confidence, improve their school performance and gain knowledge of the working world.

The programme is an initiative of the East London Business Alliance (ELBA) and has been running in Hackney since 1996.

Each year approximately 400 students are matched to mentors, mainly in city businesses such as Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters and AON.

The HSMP team recruit students from Year 10 at assemblies and the programme is open to any students who wish to volunteer. Each school is asked to provide a mentor coordinator - a key link person with whom the team can liaise. The team also provides training to students before they commence their mentoring year.

Each mentor is asked to commit one academic year to the programme (September to July). Mentors work either 1:1 or with a small group. Mentoring sessions take place, ideally, once per fortnight at their mentors' workplace and last for approximately one hour. Mentors receive initial training followed by regular support sessions, advice and feedback.

What does a mentor do?
You work with a Year 10 Hackney student and help them to:

• Increase their self-confidence
• Gain experience of the working world
• Improve their academic performance
• Broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations

How do you benefit?
You find out more about Hackney - one of the most exciting, vibrant and multi-cultural boroughs in London.

You can test and develop your skills in:

• Communication
• Influencing and motivating
• Facilitation and coaching

And most importantly - it's fun!! You will feel valued and get a fresh perspective on youth culture and help make a difference to a young person's life.

Quotes from mentors
" I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of dealing with young people and watching them grow in self confidence as the scheme progresses. "

" I have been a mentor for the last four years and it is one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done. It has been extremely rewarding to see the mentees progress over the year and, on a personal level, the mentoring programme has helped me learn more about myself. "

" I have found mentoring to be a fulfilling experience, it's a great break from the world of business to spend an hour with 14 year olds and put work stresses and pressures into perspective. "

Quotes from students
" I feel comfortable around my mentor. She is like a friend and helps me in lots of ways. She makes me feel better by giving me advice. "

" My mentor is great, she tells us of her experiences and encourages us to do well. She understands us more than other adults. "

" I found that this was a brilliant experience and I'd love to do it again, if possible. I am glad that I was offered the opportunity to get involved in such a project. "

" Thank you so much. I really loved it. I feel as though I've grown to be a more confident individual as a result of mentoring. It's also given me a clearer idea of how to achieve my goals. "

Who is involved?
Eight Hackney secondary schools are involved in the programme and a number of companies / organisations currently provide mentors including: Aon, CMS Cameron McKenna, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Hackney Council, The Learning Trust, Linklaters.

If you would like to find out more please go to our website at: www.hsmp.org.uk

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit and train Year 10 students
• Recruit and train mentors from city companies
• Match up mentors and students
• Manage and monitor mentoring relationships

Hackney Schools' Mentoring Programme
Deryl Walsh
HSMP Manager
020 8820 7437
deryl.walsh@learningtrust.co.uk

Obtaining a mentor
This programme is currently only offered to Year 10 students and is organised and arranged directly through assemblies at Schools. Year 10 students interested in obtaining a mentor should speak directly with their schools in the first instance.