Volunteering in the CAMHS Mentoring Programme has been an amazing learning experience, where I could build on and practise important skills like self-reflection, setting boundaries, and being a supportive role model to a young person. I came across the programme while completing my Psychology degree and was eager to join as I was looking to gain experience in supporting young people with their mental health. As I am aiming to complete a doctorate in Clinical Psychology in the future, this programme has been invaluable in building my knowledge of the mental health sector.

Working with young people has been something I’m passionate about, especially as I am currently working in a secondary school as a teaching assistant and learning mentor, supporting Special Educational Needs (SEN) students and providing pastoral care to all students. I’ve been able to transfer my skills from my professional life and provide my mentee with the best resources to improve her confidence and gain access to further education. Not only that, but this programme has also allowed us to create a friendship where my mentee could feel comfortable to talk and be open about her struggles. We were able to build our connection through shared interests like visiting museums and talking about our favourite tv shows. This opened up the door to conversations involving deeper topics and any worries my mentee had, which we discussed.

Over the past eight months, mentoring has allowed professional growth for me and self-growth for the both of us. It is something that I feel anyone can benefit and learn from, while also being able to witness the rewards of providing essential care and support to a vulnerable young person. I could not recommend it enough!

You can find out more information on how to join the CAMHS Mentoring Project and other volunteering schemes the South London and Maudsley Trust has to offer: https://slam.nhs.uk/camhs-mentoring-project.

I have been volunteering for over a year. I wanted to volunteer as a way for me to help young people who are embarking a difficult time in their life. I had learnt some theory during my degree and wanted to put these into practice during my time volunteering.

I found the initial training super useful and beneficial- it was in a comfortable environment where I was happy to openly talk and discuss my thoughts and feelings.

What have you learnt from the project? 

I am a student, and I felt taking part in this programme was a way for me to put my skills and knowledge into practice. I gained greater skills when it comes to working with service users, such as how to formulate sessions and goals. I gained confidence as well as learning new theory and skills to use when working with the young person.

What type of activities did you do with your mentee? How do you think they benefited from the experience?

I built a good relationship by ensuring I was listening empathetically, not pressuring the young person to talk if they don’t work, and ensuring each session is service-user led to make sure they feel comfortable and safe.

We talk about feelings. I use a colour emotion wheel to help the young person identify and discuss their feelings more easy. We focused on different goals and areas the young person wanted to work on. In my case it was confidence, self-esteem and independence.

Why should people take part in the mentoring programme?

I think it finds a way to get you own your comfort zone- to challenge yourself by focusing on how you can help someone else achieve their goals. It also helps learn new skills such as how to listen emphatically, build a rapport, working as part of a care team, and using your initiative when things get tough.

You can find out more information on how to join the CAMHS Mentoring Project and other volunteering schemes the South London and Maudsley Trust has to offer: https://slam.nhs.uk/camhs-mentoring-project.