Individual Case Study: Inclusion - Scottish Mentoring Network

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!”