We have developed intergenerational projects to support one-to-one mentoring to improve outcomes for children and young people as they progress through the education system. We draw on the knowledge, experience and networks of older adults and retirees who have the time, knowledge, experience and networks to help children and young people.
We have developed two strands of mentoring:
- Support for young people from working-class and poorer backgrounds to access university (Springburn Academy, St Paul’s High School, Knightswood Secondary School, Lochend Community High School Alloa Academy)
- Helping young children with reading and writing (Knightswood Primary, Oakwood Primary, Aultmore Primary, Deerpark Primary)
How does a school work in partnership with the Intergenerational Mentoring Network?
When starting a mentoring project within a school, there are a few essential steps that need to be taken in order to set up mentors with mentees. The Intergenerational Mentoring Network takes care of recruiting, screening and orientating volunteers but the school needs to be part of the overall process. The support of the headteacher in overseeing the start up of mentoring activities is absolutely essential in helping things to run smoothly between the mentoring network staff, the volunteer mentors, the pupils, and school staff.
Research and development
Our projects draw on existing research and follow a research and development model. No two projects are the same and developing a shared vision for the project is essential to a project’s success. This process has enabled to create extensive training materials and an infrastructure to support volunteers.
We have experience of engaging with young people in research and through mentoring relationships have kept in touch with many young people as they have progressed from school into university and careers.
Help a child Learn to Read draws on Professor Sue Ellis’ research and is supported by Sue Ellis and Vivienne Smith
Our ambition for this work is to facilitate community connections across the different projects in ‘working together’. We would like to develop opportunities where our volunteers can usefully connect across the different strands of ‘Working Together’.
Developing partnerships
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