Individual Case Study: Inclusion - Scottish Mentoring Network

Individual Case Study: InclusionThe purpose of this case study template is to assess the positive impact thatmentoring can have on an individual.1.0 1.0 ABOUT THE PROJECTOrganisation Name: LinknetContact Name:Ranbandara DissanayakaContact Number and email:0131 225 6404 anddissa@linknetmentoring.comPostcode: EH1 1JGRegion: Edinburgh and the LothiansLINKnet was established in 2000 as the first and the only organisationin Scotland that provides services based solely on one to one mentoringto disadvantaged groups. Through its various activities, theorganisation aims to maximise representation of people fromdisadvantaged groups such as minority ethnic, gender, disabled, gayand lesbian, faith, domestically abused men and women, refugees andasylum seekers, new arrivals and so on, in employment, further andhigher education, and public and civic life of Scottish society.

Mentoring is provided by trained volunteer mentors and LINKnet has had experience of running suchprojects for nine years.LINKnet is currently delivering a few mentoring projects of equal weight on its own and in partnershipwith other organisations:• The LINKnet and Sikh Sanjog Work Ready Mentoring Project to help BME women who havehad very little or no life opportunities,• The International Alliance Project in partnership with Napier University to help overseasstudents who wish to remain and work in Scotland after graduating,• 16-24 Job ready Project to help young people into education or employment• LINKnet’s Political Mentoring Project to develop future leaders from disadvantaged groups.Why Mentoring?One-to-one mentoring in which the mentee receives the attention of one whole person(mentor) differsfrom teacher-pupil or manager-subordinate relationships and also from training or coaching.LINKnet sees mentoring as a confidence booster that is recognised as one of the best methods ofdeveloping people who lack self confidence and self esteem and face many other barriers todevelopment.Mentors and Mentees are referred to Linknet from various places. They come throughLINKnet’s formal partners (Napier University, Heriot Watt University, The City ofEdinburgh Council, Edinburgh Procurator Fiscal Service and Lothian & Borders Police).

Referrals also come from individual referrals, publicity and LINKnet’s promotion, outreachwork and sessional work.The objectives for the mentees are as follows:• Speed up the process of getting jobs or education.• Widen contacts and horizons• Receive valuable support in a desired area of development free of charge• Enhance existing knowledge• Gain new knowledge• Gain inside knowledge about various institutes, their policies and opportunities• Gain new skills• Improve employability• Increase self-esteem and self-confidenceWhat is asked of the mentors?Mentors are requested to offer one hour per week voluntary mentoring for a period of 4 to6 months. The necessary Mentor training and supervision is provided by LINKnet.The benefits that the mentors gain from becoming involved in the Linknet mentoringproject are as follows:• Sharpen current knowledge• Gain new knowledge• Exposure to different cultures and environments• Improve employability• Recognition by individuals and institutions• New contacts and wider networking• See opportunities from within, private, public and voluntary sector organisations

or/and educational institutions• Increase self-esteem and self-confidence• Review and revalidate what you have achieved so far• Receive a good training that includes, communication, coaching and counsellingskills and knowledge on equality legislation, confidentiality policy and cultural sensitivity• Open your eyes to your own true potentialSupporting the mentors and menteesStaff of linknet organised last years social event for all mentors and mentees and thosewho continue to support Linknet. It was a great turnout with 123 people attending. A hotand cold buffet was served and entertainment provided by Afridonia, the African dancersand Dias Quartet – a brazilian band. Certificates of appreciation were given out to thementors.Linknet’s information and communications officer set up a forum for Linknet wherementees, mentors, Linknet staff, BME and other organisations can post news, events,training courses, workshops and jobs. The forum holds very useful information. Linknetmentees and mentors can use the forum as discussion and communication hub as wellas to obtain updated information.

elief it’s all over, and would like to thank my mentor for all the trouble he had to gothrough”.Mentee C.“I am an Engineer in automatics, and computer programmer in my home country of Cuba.My mentor and I have been meeting since February and we have worked on my CV andmock interviews, as well as how look for a job on the internet. I'm still working asfreelancer in Web designing and I'll enroll in a course about repairing computers in Jeweland Esk. I've found a course in English conversation too. I think I've improved my listeningand speaking. I have gained so much more confidence. I know how to manage ininterviews (although I can't control my nerves yet!) and I've learned the different ways tolook for a job. I have applied for two courses NC in computing (Adult Learning); one inInformation Technology and the other one is an intensive, vocational course which couldgive me a recognized qualification for work as a computer technician. Both are free ofcharge and both requiring my previous qualifications.LINKnet is a big family and I appreciate every help and support you have give to meduring all this time. Thanks a lot. I recommend to everyone from the ethnic and minoritycommunity who is confused about his or her future in this country and who is "lost intranslation" in some way, go to Linknet for advise and support”Mentee D.“I came to know about Linknet Mentoring Program about 8 months ago. I was just finishingthe “Women On To Work” Training Program and started to look for employment. But I wasfinding it difficult due to lack of experience in UK market and especially after having acareer break for 2 ½ years.Under the Linknet Mentoring Program I was matched with a mentor who was a Senior HRadvisor for the Edinburgh council. This was an excellent matching as I always wanted toget back in to the field of Human Resources which was my background. I had frequentmeetings with my mentor and she advised and supported me with different methods of jobsearch, Job applications and Interviews. In April I was able to get a job as a ProjectAdministrator which was a 6 months maternity cover. Throughout this period shecontinued guiding me on the job I was doing and also supporting me on my future jobsearch and HR networking. I was able to attend a workshop as her guest organized by theCIPD (Charted Institute of Personnel and Development Management); this gave me theopportunity to broaden my knowledge and to meet some professionals in the field ofHuman Resources. After I finished my contract as a Project Administrator, within about 2months I was able to get in to permanent employment with “WEA Scotland” which is dueto start in mid November. This is an Administrative role with some key HR elements so Ibelieve I have achieved my objective of getting back on track with my career. This startingpoint was the most difficult part and I’m proud of my self for achieving this with all mythanks and heart full gratitude to my mentor and to Linknet without I won’t be able to getthis advise and support”

Statements from Linknet’s mentors:Brenda Itoney -“I first became aware of LINKnet and what it does via my work. I had not previously heard ofLINKnet. I was looking to expand my volunteer work and had looked through my work’scommunity involvement site, looking for something to get involved with. I liked what LINKnetwas about and trying to do and became involved.My experiences with LINKnet have been positive and I have learned more about myselfand the society we live in, including challenges faced by ethnic minorities. Linknet hasmade me more aware of skills I have and am able to pass along. This includescommunication and transferring skills in ways that are grasped and pragmaticallyimplemented, providing others a foundation to boost their confidence and gain other skills.The training and support provided by LINKnet have been invaluable, making one feel part ofsomething important and positively contributing to Edinburgh’s diversity.”Carol Brown“I have very much enjoyed the process and it has helped me to reflect back onskills that I have developed over the years but was perhaps not aware of.I have had some interesting discussions with my mentee about her course andaspects of it which relate to some of my work as a social researcher. Findingresources on essay writing has actually reminded me of some tips for writing myown written work. My mentee is an inspirational woman and I have found it fun and enjoyableto work with her”.Anjam Sheikh“I am a LINKnet mentor. I have haad 3 success stories, 2 when I first joined andagain when I joined last year 07. I was matched with a mentee. In 6 weeks mymentee and I hit it off. We met 3 times and she was set because she kept up herend of the deal., and I mine. We both did our homework and she ended up witha job as a volunteer in the field that she wanted to work in. She has still kept intouch just to let me know how things are moving along.I also use the Resource Centre. I have found it very useful as I do not have Internet access athome. Using the Resource Centre is very relaxing – it is safe and comfortable. The seats arecomfy. Its not like an internet café where you are restricted for time. We all go down together,my daughter, and granddaughter also have a lot of fun here, they can’t wait till Fridays!”