| Fast links: Young People
Summary:
Maybe you’ve just heard of Lifespace from a teacher, a parent or a mate. Perhaps you’ve just met one of our team, or are about to.
In which case, it’s normal to have questions like…
…
Who are we? What do we do? Can we be of any help to you? Are we normal?
If you’ve had a nose around the website you’ll see that:
• Lifespace is a local charity which has a team of good people who are trained as “mentors” –people who listen, support and encourage others, and NOT tell them what to do.
• We believe you are amazing. Ok, you might not feel that way sometimes, but we still believe that you matter. That you have talents. That whatever difficulties you are facing right now, they can be overcome. Our mentors are dedicated to giving you the chance to change your life for the better.
• Yes we are normal humans. This means we’ve faced tough and tricky stuff in life too, and know how that can sometimes feel. We may have some fresh ideas for making life easier.
What do other young people say?
If you want to know what other young people have thought and felt about mentoring, then just skim through some of the comments on the side over there…You might be surprised by what they say.
You might not just want to take their word for it but choose to get to know us, and let us get to know you. We’re here to really listen, get to grips with what “your world” is like, and look at ways you could make life more like you want it to be, in ways that are safe, positive and rewarding. Less troubles, more joys.
Something to take away:
Click on the link to get a copy of what you’re after (also available from the FORMS link):
• Introduction to mentoring for young people (PDF)
• Introduction to Lifespace (PDF brochure)
Stuff that might be handy
Here are some links to websites that might be handy and interesting… in case you’re curious to go ahead and find out more. If you, or someone you know, is facing any of these issues, or might face them one day, then take a look and figure out what’s useful to you. Help is always at hand. On the phone. On the web. Or in person.
Childline
www.childline.org.uk
0800 1111
Calls are free and confidential.
Young people can call about any issue.
Self Harm Network
www.nshn.co.uk
Support and empower individuals who self harm to reduce emotional distress, seek support & to improve their quality of life. Also support and provide information for family and carers of individuals who self harm
Get Connected
www.getconnected.org.uk
080 8808 4994
Free, confidential helpline for young people who need help but don't know where to find it.
DrinkAware
www.drinkaware.co.uk
Find out all you need about alcohol, its effects, stuff about hangovers, whether you are drinking too much.
Kooth
www.kooth.com
A safe online place where you can:
• get help, advice & support with anything that’s causing you stress, hardship or embarrassment
• find out about local services, events & news
• write your blog or magazine articles
Prince's Trust
www.princes-trust.org.uk
Practical and financial support to young people who need it most. Prince’s Trust help develop key skills, confidence and motivation, enabling young people to move into work, education or training
Respect Yourself
www.respectyourself.info
Free information, advice and signposting on issues of sexual health, contraception, pregnancy and that it’s okay to say “no” to sex
Bullying UK
www.bullying.co.uk
0808 800 2222
Free advice and tips about dealing with bullying – whether cyber, physical, or other
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Comments from young people who’ve
experienced Lifespace mentoring
“This is the first time I remember anyone has ever sat down with me and listened to me…”
Boy, age 14
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| “Because of mentoring, I value myself more & feel valued by others more. I’m such a different person. I’m more… motivated!” Boy, age 14 |
| "Mentoring has helped me with everything, getting on with people and controlling my temper. I would recommend this to other people who need help. I used to be quite racist, I'll admit that, but now I know that whatever someone's skin colour or language, underneath they're still unique, they're still worth 10 out of 10. When someone gets angry I would advise they do what I do, which is ignore the troublemakers, get some time out, sit down and take some deep breaths. I used to be the class clown but now I know I get more respect by controlling my behaviour. I am in control of me." Boy, aged 14 |
“Mentoring has helped me with my confidence. Before, I didn’t even have the nerve to lift my head up. Now I am a confident person and a confident talker.
Mentoring helped me to realise my value.”
Boy, age 15 |
"My mentor listens to my problems and gives me advice so I can sort them out. The assistant head teacher said today that I've really grown in stature. I have learned how to say sorry, use eye contact properly and use my tone of voice better to help me get on better with other people, which is good."
Boy, age 14 |
| “I really appreciated having someone to talk to who I could say anything I wanted to and I knew that I wasn’t being judged. This has been a really big help at a difficult time.” Girl, age 16 |
| "I don’t get angry as much. I used to storm out and shout at the teacher but now I don’t. " Girl, age14 |
| "I have done a lot better at school and it is a really fun experience and the mentors are really nice people. " Girl, age 14 |
| "You may think it’s a waste of time, but believe me it’s worth it in the end. " Boy, age 14 |
| "If you struggle with your emotions like anger, take this – it could change your life – it changed mine." Boy, age 14 |
| "I really look forward to my time with my mentor. He gives me praise and notices the things I do right. This makes me feel good about myself and do even better.” Boy, age 13 |
| “My mentor has helped me be aware of my anger, what makes me angry and how I react. Our sessions have helped me keep calm and given me a lift. He helps me feel good about myself when he tells me that I can do it.” Boy, age 14 |
| “I have learned that I am worth 10 out of 10, even when difficult things happen like they have to me in my family when my sister walked out. Things were really hard at first but this has helped me cope and decide to keep going. I can’t give up. I have learned new things about myself and things that I am good at doing. I eat more healthy food which helps me feel better and I know lots more ways of how to calm down when I’m getting angry or stressed like when I think about what happened to our family. Stuff like getting space, talking to someone I trust and staying out of it, all help. I also remember to bring what I need for school more often because I’m not focusing on the problems.” Boy, age 12 |
| “Before my mentoring, when other boys insulted me, I would just insult them back and end up fighting and being hurt. Sometimes it got totally out of control. But now I do something different. I speak to the teacher instead and find a better way out. I wouldn’t have thought of stopping and doing something else if it hadn’t been for the mentoring.” Boy, age 11 |
| “A member of staff told me that the teachers don’t complain about me anymore in the staff room, well, perhaps once a week but it used to be everyday. It’s less stressful for my dad now that I can calm down and stay in control. He’s not expecting trouble from me on his way home from work. It’s much better for my mum too. I’ve changed from being a taker to more of a giver, doing more to help around the house. I feel better about myself too and it’s less stressful for teachers. I don’t argue over little things anymore. I’m more relaxed. I’m also learning about new ways of making decisions.” Boy, age 15 |
| "My relationship has changed with my mum. If it hadn’t changed, I would still be sad.” Girl, age 15 |
| “This is the only time I can come and talk to someone about my problems. I’ve learned to listen to other people.” Boy, age 14 |
“It’s good ‘cos they listen & help you be calm.”
Boy, age 14 |
| “Mentoring has changed the way that I think about people and the way I treat them.” Boy, age 15 |
| “My mentor has helped me be aware of my anger, what makes me angry and how I react. Our sessions have helped me keep calm more and given me a lift. He helps me feel good about myself when he tells me that I can do it.” Boy, age 14 |
| “I really look forward to my time with my mentor. He gives me praise and notices the things I do right. This makes me feel good about myself and do even better.” Boy, age 13 |
| “The mentoring has helped me think more positively. I used to just notice the negatives before, but now I see the good things too which helps me be more motivated. I also learned about the chain reaction of my sleep & eating patterns on my mood, my concentration and how I behave at school. I eat more healthy foods, like grapes, and drink more water which helps me.” Boy, age 14 |
“After the first session I learned how our body language and our emotions are linked. We did an exercise which helped me understand it...”
Boy, age 15 |
| “When I arrived at this school I thought I was worth 3 out of 10 and I behaved like it. I punched people if they made me angry. Now I know I am worth 10 out of 10, and I am showing it. I’m doing my homework and when I get called names I walk away. The teachers say I’m really different and I want to carry on like this.” Boy, age 12 |
| “I would definitely recommend this to my friends. I have enjoyed having someone to talk to and getting advice.” Girl, age 14 |
if you have had support from Lifespace in the past and you have a story to tell as well, then go ahead and get in touch with us... your story matters even more than you think...
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