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Frequently Asked QuestionsAnswers to some of the most commonly asked questions by prospective mentors, also how to further pursue your interest in becoming a volunteer mentor. How does the Chance UK programme work?Children are referred to Chance UK mainly by teachers from primary schools. We also get some referrals from social services and other agencies. If the child meets our criteria, we arrange a home visit to carry out a further assessment with the parents and child. We use this opportunity to explain fully about Chance UK, answer any questions they may have, and discuss their motivation to participate in the programme. We accept a child only when there is sufficient motivation on the part of the parent/s and child to participate. Each child is then matched with a volunteer mentor, taking account of the child’s needs, circumstances and interests, and also any other relevant factors pertaining to the child and the mentor. A Chance UK programme manager will brief the child/family and the mentor about any relevant issues. This will be followed by an introduction meeting facilitated by the programme manager. Mentoring then commences. The mentor will meet the child on a weekly basis, with each session lasting 2-4 hours. The mentoring relationship usually lasts for one year. The first 3 months form the ‘engagement’ phase and the last 9 months constitute the ‘solution focused’ phase. A review meeting takes place at the end of the engagement phase to review progress, identify and agree realistic goals for the next phase, and reinforce strengths and resources that can be built on. Mentors also meet with an allocated Chance UK programme manager every month for supervision and support.
What does Chance UK offer?Chance UK specialises in the provision of early intervention and prevention for young children at risk of social exclusion and behavioural problems later in life. We are committed to reducing vulnerability and exclusion by targeting 5-11 year old children identified as being at risk. Chance UK provides community-based child and parent mentoring programmes. The central element of our work is the child mentoring which is delivered by carefully selected, screened, trained and supervised volunteers. Our programmes are innovative and designed to achieve lasting change by fostering the development of important life skills. What kind of children does Chance UK work with?We work with primary school children. The children referred to us are typically the most vulnerable, struggling with difficulties such as hyperactivity, conduct problems, poor social skills, concentration problems and difficulties in forming satisfying peer relationships. Many also experience neglect, home instability and inadequate supervision. We have drawn upon research evidence to identify such children through a clear and fair assessment methodology.
Once we have received and processed your application, we will contact you with details of the next available training dates. Prospective mentors are assessed both during training and via an interview with a programme manager following the training. The first step is for you to complete the application and police check forms, and return these to Chance UK. We also require you to furnish details of two referees and we will take up references when you attend training. We look for specific personal qualities and values first and foremost, rather than any particular background, experience or training. We also consider your ability and willingness to work enthusiastically within our approach and make the necessary time commitment required. Some personal qualities we look for in a mentor include a sensitive, clear and friendly communication style; ability to get on well with kids; enthusiasm, responsibility and excellent listening skills; lots of common sense; a sense of humour; and, consistency, self-motivated and tenacity to see things through. What do mentors actually do?What a mentor does depends on the context, individual circumstances, goals agreed during the mentoring relationship, and the interests and personal characteristics that both the mentor and the child bring to the relationship. Some of the responsibilities and activities mentors undertake with the child include:
How are mentors selected?Once we have received and processed your application, we will contact you with details of the next available training dates. Prospective mentors are assessed both during training and via an interview with a programme manager following the training. The first step is for you to complete the application and police check forms, and return these to Chance UK. We also require you to furnish details of two referees and we will take up references when you attend training. We look for specific personal qualities and values first and foremost, rather than any particular background, experience or training. We also consider your ability and willingness to work enthusiastically within our approach and make the necessary time commitment required. Some personal qualities we look for in a mentor include a sensitive, clear and friendly communication style; ability to get on well with kids; enthusiasm, responsibility and excellent listening skills; lots of common sense; a sense of humour; and, consistency, self-motivated and tenacity to see things through.
Is any supervision or further training provided?Mentors will be offered support and supervision through monthly meetings with an allocated Chance UK programme manager to review progress and agree priorities for forthcoming sessions. The supervision meetings also provide an opportunity to review and reflect on the application of the solution focused approach to bring about change. The aim is for each child to meet the goals set and graduate from the scheme after a year. Can I claim expenses?We refund reasonable out of pocket expenses in respect of the work you undertake as a Chance UK volunteer. Guidelines for re-imbursements will be provided when you start.
Does the work of Chance UK make a difference?Chance UK has been evaluated by the National Children's Bureau and the Institute of Education (commissioned by the Home Office). The latter includes qualitative and quantitative indicators of impact. Of the mothers interviewed, 75% saw positive changes in their child's behaviour; 81% saw the mentor as a good influence; and, 69% reported benefits for their own relationship with the child. All the mentors and teachers interviewed saw positive changes. The schools hold Chance UK in very high regard and also value the professionalism, accessibility and rapid response of our staff. Through our own rigorous monitoring and evaluation systems, we are determined to learn and build on our success, to continue making a difference in the lives of many children.
How can I get involved?If you feel that you possess the qualities we seek and are able to make the time commitment, we welcome your involvement. Mentors are both very ordinary and yet extraordinary people. If you are unable to volunteer as a Mentor, we also have other opportunities for you to volunteer your services and expertise. Please contact us and we will be happy to discuss this with you further. If you wish to volunteer as a mentor for our London Programme please download the necessary forms from the Volunteer Information Pack here.
For information on our new NCH/Chance UK's national programmes, please use the following contacts:
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