Description
Objectives:The objective of the paper is to evaluate a student-led mentoring programme for young people (aged 10-18) in deprived areas of Northampton. The aim is to explore the experiences of students who work as volunteer mentors, and measure the impact of mentoring on the young people involved.
Design:
The project involved a group of students being trained as mentors for young people in areas of disadvantage in the local community. To evaluate effectiveness and impact, a mixed methods study is being conducted utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Methods:
Student volunteers participated in a focus group (n=8) following training about their reasons for seeking the opportunity. Several months into their volunteering role, active volunteers (n=16) are being invited to participate in an individual semi-structured interview about their experiences. Young people in the community are being invited to provide feedback on the youth services they participate in. They are also completing pre- and -post distanced travelled measures about their wellbeing and resilience. Anonymous case studies of young people mentored by student volunteers are also being collected.
Preliminary results:
Findings suggest that students have varied motives for getting involved in the volunteering scheme, including career ambition, skills development, and desire to make a positive difference. Initial findings from established volunteers indicate meaningful impacts on the students and the young people they supported.
| Period | 14 Sept 2023 |
|---|---|
| Event title | British Psychological Society Psychology of Education Section Annual Conference: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, in Educational Psychology Research and Practice. |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Liverpool, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | National |