Mentoring Service: the Fast Track Project

Mentoring, which currently exists in England, is a new service to the Scottish Borders. It is only available to the Fast Track Children's Hearing. Mentors work on a one-to-one basis at times which suit the young person, and when he or she is at most risk of re-offending. Mentors offer the following types of service to children and young people:

to befriend, support, and guide children and young people involved in the Short Track Children's Hearing system
to help children and young people bring about positive change to their behaviour and circumstances
to help children and young people take control of their lives and take decisions that are safe and lawful
to engage with children and young people for as long as the young person feels it is necessary.

What do Mentors offer?

Mentors aim to address issues related to offending. If there are problem areas, these are addressed by an Action Plan. They also:

offer the chance for young people to develop positive relationships with adults who are non-judgemental and who are not Social Workers
address issues regarding confidence, self-esteem and motivation
enable children and young people to find and sustain employment, training and educational options
identify and access new interests, hobbies and leisure recreation
encourage children and young people to find suitable resources to address alcohol and/or drug or substance issues if required
develop alternative lifestyles to address boredom and negative peer influences
demonstrate skills required to solve problems and develop independent coping skills
have a flexible approach to meeting individual needs.

What have Mentors helped children and young people with so far?

They have:

helped identify and attend leisure activities that the child or young person had not previously thought about before - for example archery, fishing, swimming and outdoor activities
attended educational visits with children and young people
helped organise and attend careers, college, or employment interviews with children and young people
attended drug and alcohol counselling appointments with children and young people
supported children and young people by attending Fast Track Children's Hearings
worked with the young person and his or her family to address problems in the family home when appropriate and when welcomed by all
helped prepare and support children and young people seeking their own accommodation.

Further information

For more information call the Fast Track Project on 01450 370810.