Anna Pollard - Progression Mentor & Volunteer
Coordinator
What motivated you to volunteer with The Trust?
To be involved with a reputable charity which worked with young
people. The mentoring aspect really appealed to me as I wanted to
make a difference to someone at a time when it could make a
difference to their whole future. Also, to be able to be a part in
turning someone’s life around for the better was a huge motivation
for me and seemed a unique and special role.
The key role/s you've held during your time with us?
Progression mentor (working with three young people) and
also more recently as a Volunteer Co-ordinator.
What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome
them?
I found there is a constant need to encourage and support,
whilst not taking over or telling the young person what to do. This
involves good listening skills and patience and learning how to
suggest ideas and discuss issues without forcing your opinion on
the young person. I have developed the skills to let the young
person explore ideas for themselves and also how to guide the young
person whilst gently challenging and questioning.
What was the most positive experience you had while
volunteering?
I still meet a few times a year with a young person I started
working with three years ago. Before I worked with her she had no
qualifications or work experience and had little self esteem. After
slowly creating a bond and getting to know her, she gained a
placement at a local charity shop. She has now been there
volunteering for two years and is now working towards an NVQ in
Retail.
She cannot believe she is the same person she
was three years ago and is so thrilled about where she is in her
life right now and what she has achieved since we started working
together.
She has also gained a part time paid job through the
confidence and experience of her volunteer work. It is great to be
able to keep in touch with her still and help her in any way I
can.
Do you have any advice or guidance for new volunteers?
To be open minded about young people, because they are all so
different! Also, to know that your support could be more vital than
you realise. If you can give the young person the chance to explore
ideas, sometimes ones out of their comfort zone, to identify goals
that they never thought were possible and to give them a chance
learn about themselves in the mentoring process I would consider
that a positive mentoring relationship.