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Scottish Mentoring Network

Newsletter

Catch up on this month's activity on the Scottish Mentoring Network website. Click the headlines to read more...

Latest News

Launch of the National Mentoring Scheme

Scottish Mentoring Network, through Iain Forbes, has been actively involved over the last few years in the development of a proposed scheme for care experienced young people. Iain was part of the LACSIG Advisory Group which proposed a National Mentoring Scheme for Looked After Children and Young People with the final report being submitted to the Scottish Government in November 2013.

When Bruce Harkin was appointed by the Scottish Government to take this forward, Iain was on the Working Group advising on how best to develop and introduce the scheme. Inspiring Scotland has been appointed by the Scottish Government as the Fund Manager and will be leading the further development of this national initiative initially aimed at giving support to children and young people aged 8 to 14 who are looked after by their local authority and are living at home. 

Scottish Mentoring Network welcomes this move by the Scottish Government to provide much needed additional support to this potentially vulnerable group of young people. We look forward to working with Inspiring Scotland, members and partners to ensure this support achieves its objectives of improving outcomes for these young people.

Inspiring Scotland has released further information regarding the planned launch of the National Mentoring Scheme, which will support young people who are looked after by their local authority and living at home. The programme recognises a young person’s need to have at least one long term relationship with a positive adult role-model. The disruption children face leading up to and on coming into the care system can make this difficult to achieve within a family setting.  

Young people who choose to take part in the scheme will be carefully matched with a trained volunteer and together they will build a positive, trusting, supportive and secure relationship. Effective mentoring relationships have been shown to be long term, frequent and regular.

The quality of the programme will be critically important. For example, organisations which receive funding will be expected to have achieved or to work towards the attainment of either the Befriending Networks’ Quality in Befriending Award or the Scottish Mentoring Network’s Quality Award.

Funded organisations will receive on-going support from the National Mentoring Scheme and Inspiring Scotland across a range of issues, such as volunteer recruitment and training, and capacity building. They will also have the opportunity to take part in co-designing approaches to evaluation, and will be expected to take part in agreed evaluation and reporting processes, overseen by Inspiring Scotland.

27 June

Member News: LinkLiving SmartLiving Employability Course

SmartLiving is LinkLiving's award-winning project that helps young people aged 16-25 improve their employability skills.  

LinkLiving in Falkirk is now recruiting for its next 12 week, SQA accredited Employability course which will begin on Monday 25 July 2016.

The SmartLiving project helps young people improve their employability skills through one-to-one practical and emotional support along with access to accredited training. Step Up is a 12-week Employability course for young people which gives participants the opportunity to develop their confidence, self-esteem and employability skills as well as gaining valuable work experience and gaining a SQA accreditation (SQA Level 4).

The programme includes:

  • Support with increasing confidence, personal development and self awareness
  • Personality Profiling – What kind of person are you? What areas best suit your skills?
  • How to build a CV, write a cover letter and plan a phone call
  • Basic computer Skills
  • Supported job search assistance, including Universal Jobmatch
  • Further education options, including college or continued voluntary options.
  • SQA Accredited Course Employability Award Level 4
  • A three week work experience placement
20 June

FUNDING: Launch of the Comic Relief Core Strength Programme (UK)

Comic Relief has launched its new Core Strength Programme to provide funding to small and medium sized voluntary sector organisations across the UK that urgently need core funding to continue their work.  

Through the Programme, Comic Relief wants to recognise the importance of local community organisations and the pivotal role they play across the UK.  In total, £4 million will be invested through this initiative with approximately 100 organisations receiving grants for core funding across the UK.

This is the first time that Comic Relief will provide grants for core costs, which are defined as the core costs of running an organisation. This includes salaries, overheads and day-to-day running costs such as rent, heating and lighting. Grants can also be awarded to support specific work that will strengthen organisations for the future. This could include improving leadership and governance, or planning and development.

Examples of the kind of work that might receive funding through this programme include:

  • Strategic planning and policy improvement, including business planning, fundraising strategies, income generation, policy and procedure reviews.
  • Planning to improve structures and systems that will improve efficiency and quality, including financial controls, human resources, management of volunteers, risk management, monitoring frameworks, impact assessment and accredited quality marks.
  • Improvements in leadership and governance, including review of board/committee policy and practice, Trustee training, involving users, change management and new skills development eg around social entrepreneurship.
  • General running costs, including rent, lighting, heating or contributions towards salaries.

Grants of up to £40,000 over 24 months of activity (£20,000 each year) are available. It is expected that about 100 organisations will receive funding.

Charitable organisations in the UK are eligible to apply as long as they have a turnover of between £100,000 and £500,000. They must be delivering services in one of Comic Relief's programme areas (at least 75% of an organisation's activity must fit one of these themes):

  • Investing in children and young people.
  • Empowering women and girls.
  • Improving health and wellbeing.
  • Building stronger communities.

The deadline for applications is midday on Wednesday 27 July 2016.

17 June

Member News: Rock Trust Training

The Rock Trust has announced details of its upcoming staff training on offer.  All courses are aimed at professionals supporting individuals who are impacted by isolation, loneliness and vulnerability. 

There are three different training courses available:

  • Adolescence Training: A half-day training which aims to describe positive approaches and discuss effective strategies for dealing with challenging behaviours in adolescence. The cost of one training place is £55 per attendee and more information available here.
    • Tuesday 11th October 2016, 9:30am - 1:30pm, Glasgow City Centre 
  • Building Relationships & Support Networks Training: This full-day training looks at the importance of supportive relationships to enable individuals to make positive steps forward, so they can develop positive relationships and improve social skills. The training will also discuss ways for services to embed support networks into practice.  The cost of one training place is £95 per attendee and more information available here.
    • Monday 27th June 2016, 9:30am - 4:30pm, Bathgate, West Lothian
    • Tuesday 6th September 2016, 9:30am - 4:30pm, Norton Park, Edinburgh
  • Resilience Training: A half-day training opportunity on resilience mapping. The cost of one training place is £55 per attendee and more information available here.
    • Wednesday 24th August 2016, 9:30am - 1:30pm, The Rock Trust HQ, Edinburgh

All of the above training can be adapted to meet the needs of a specific organisation.  

13 June

Member News: ICAS launch new business mentoring scheme

Institute for Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) has launched a new initiative to help match businesses looking for an experienced mentor with Chartered Accountants (CAs) who can help them.

The ICAS business mentoring scheme originated with a one-year pilot programme undertaken by ICAS in partnership with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. CAs have also successfully mentored businesses through Entrepreneurial Spark.

For the pilot programme, ICAS identified CAs willing to mentor a start-up on a voluntary basis, while the Scottish Chambers of Commerce matched the mentors with businesses and monitored progress.

An independent study of the pilot concluded: “The programme is highly regarded… participants … have had an overwhelmingly positive experience that has made a real benefit.” Feedback from the businesses was also very positive.

How the business mentoring scheme works

The business and finance experience of CAs is highly valued.  External organisations such as the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Entrepreneurial Spark help to match businesses looking for support with mentors.  The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has an established programme for growing businesses.

Mentors should have experience at a senior level and knowledge of SMEs. Good interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to be an effective listener, are essential.

Details of the relationship are largely down to the mentor and mentee, and may vary depending on the organisation leading the mentoring match. Typically, an engagement may last 9-12 months and include face-to-face meetings or telephone discussions.

There is no specific time commitment, but up to four hours per month is suggested.

Mentoring involves providing an outside perspective, supporting the mentee, asking questions, giving feedback, sharing experiences and respecting confidentiality.

It is usually on a voluntary basis. It is not about selling services, providing investment, giving specific advice, or doing specific tasks such as writing the business plan.

13 June

Member News: MCR Pathways launch Young Talent Glasgow Digital Campaign

MCR Pathways celebrated #volunteersweek by raising awareness of the life-changing impact its volunteer mentors make to Glasgow's most disadvantaged young people.  

Volunteer week ran from 1st until the 12th of June and during this time MCR shared at least one blog post per day showcasing its volunteer mentors through a 'Meet Our Mentor' feature on the Young Talent Glasgow website and via MCR's various social media channels.  

Click here to view the 'Meet Our Mentor' posts on the Young Talent Glasgow blog.

3 June

Funding: Get2Grips with Grants Ltd.

Get2Grips with Grants Ltd. is a dedicated organisation that source and secure funds for charities / social enterprises.  

Get2Grips helps charities to access funding to:

  • Develop facilities & services
  • Reach new service users
  • Recruit staff
  • Buy equipment and resources
  • Implement new projects
  • Reserve core costs

 How they do it:

  • Help clients to explore the potential of grant funding, encouraging them to 'think big' considering not only what the organisation needs but what they'd love to achieve also.
  • Match goals to the best potential funding sources
  • Write the funding application for clients

Clients are charged a one-off commitment fee plus a percentage based on successful applications.

2 June

Events

Member Event: Sharing Good Practice Seminar

28 September 2016, Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG

SQA Accredited Mentoring Coordination Training - October 2016 Dates

27-28 October 2016, Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1UZ

SMN National Event & Recognition Awards 2016

17 November 2016, The Trade's Hall, Glasgow

SQA Accredited Unit in Mentoring Coordination Training - February 2017

08-09 February 2017, SCVO Training Room, Hayweight House, Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians Networking Event

23 March 2017, Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue, 16 St Marys Street, EH1 1SU

SQA Accredited Unit in Mentoring Coordination Training - April 2017

03-04 April 2017, Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1UZ

Fife and Tayside Networking Event

22 June 2017, The Salutation Hotel, 34 South Street, Perth, PH2 8P

Education Thematic Networking Event

9 August 2017, Edinburgh Napier (Sighthill Campus)

Ayrshire Networking Event

13 September 2017, Ayrshire College, Kilmarnock Campus, Hill Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 3HY

Edinburgh and Lothians Networking Event

10 October 2017, ACOSVO, Thorn House, 5 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PR

Professional Certificate in Coordinating Mentoring Programmes Training Course

11-12 December 2017, Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1UZ

Fife and Tayside Networking Event

31 January 2018, Dundee University, Dalhousie Building Block 1, ground floor room 6 (1G06) , 75 Old Hawkhill, Dundee DD1 5EN

Youth Networking Event

22 March 2018, AK Bell Library, Sandeman Room, 2-8 York Place, Perth. PH2 8EP

North Networking Event, Places still available

27 March 2018, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness College, 1 Inverness Campus, IV2 5NA

Ayrshire Networking Event

9 May 2018, Ayrshire College, Kilmarnock Campus, Hill Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 3HY

Edinburgh and Lothians Networking Event

23 May 2018, YMCA Edinburgh, The Acorn Centre, 1 Junction Place, EH6 5JA

Fife and Tayside Networking Event

25 September 2018, DYW Perth & Kinross, Saltire House 3 Whitefriars Crescent, Perth PH2 0PA

BOOKING NOW CLOSED: SMN National Event 2018

6 November 2018, St Paul's and St George's Church, Edinburgh

Glasgow Networking Event

28 January 2019, 10am - 1pm, 51 Wilson Street, Brunswick House, Glasgow, G1 1UZ

FULLY BOOKED -Professional Certificate in Coordinating Mentoring Programmes Training Course

05-06 February 2019, Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1UZ

Ayrshire Networking Event

28 February 2019, 11am -1pm , Centre Stage, Kilmarnock Academy, 15 Elmbank Drive, Kilmarnock, KA1 3BS.

Edinburgh and Lothians Networking Event

19 March 2019, 11am - 2pm, Financial Conduct Authority, Quayside House, 127 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9QG

CANCELLED Central Network Event

22 May 2019, Link Academy, McKinven House, George Street, Falkirk, FK2 7EY

SMN: Youth Arts Mentoring Symposium

28 May 2019, 10:30am -2:30pm Motherwell Concert Hall, Windmillhill St, Motherwell ML1 1AB

Fife and Tayside Network Event

12 June 2019, DC Thomson, 2 Albert Square, Dundee, DD1 1DD

SMN: All network Event Dates released

7 August 2019

Glasgow Networking Event

27 August 2019, 10:30am - 1:30pm Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, 20 Dumbreck Rd, Glasgow, G41 5BW

Education Networking Event

2 September 2019, 11am-2pm, Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue, 16 St Mary's St, Edinburgh EH1 1SU

SMN NATIONAL EVENT: The deadline for booking your place is Tuesday the 5th of November so please BOOK NOW to secure your place at the event.

13 November 2019, St Paul's & St George's Church, 46 York Place, Edinburgh

SMN: Business Network Event

28 November 2019, 4th Floor, Hayweight House, 23 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DQ

SMN: Edinburgh and Lothians Network Event

4 December 2019, 11am-1:30pm YMCA Edinburgh, The Acorn Centre, 1 Junction Place, EH6 5JA

SMN: Care Experienced Network Event

24 January 2020, 10:30am- 2pm Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow,G11UZ

SMN Fife and Tayside Network Event

29 January 2020, Old College Building, Abertay University, Dundee, DD1 HG

SMN: Glasgow Networking Event

5 March 2020, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 100 Renfrew St, Glasgow G2 3DB, 10:30am -2:pm

POSTPONED - Professional Certificate in Coordinating Mentoring Programmes Training Course

19-20 March 2020, Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1UZ

POSTPONED SMN: Mentoring Information Event

23 March 2020, The Barracks, Stirling

POSTPONED : Mentor Training Guidance for Mentoring Coordinators

27 March 2020, Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow G1 1UZ

SMN Online Networking Event

20 May 2020, Online Zoom (11am-1pm)

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE GrowBiz: How to use Zoom Effectively

2 July 2020, Zoom

SMN: Glasgow Network Event

12 August 2020, Zoom

SMN: Topical Event - Introduction to SMN’s new online training programme

9 September 2020, Zoom

SMN: Fife & Tayside Network Event

30 September 2020, Zoom

SMN: Edinburgh & Lothians Network Event

14 October 2020, Zoom

SMN: Ayrshire Network Event

11 November 2020, Zoom

Scottish Mentoring Network's Online National Event

3 December 2020

SMN: Central Network Event

8 December 2020, Zoom

SMN: Taking Stock

20 January 2021, Zoom

SMN: North Network Event

3 February 2021, Zoom

SMN: Virtual AGM

19 February 2021, Zoom

SMN: Youth Event

18 March 2021, Zoom

SMN: Glasgow & Surrounding Areas Network Event

21 April 2021, Zoom

SMN: Topic Based Event - Overview of Near Me Service POSTPONED

20 May 2021, Zoom

SMN: Fife & Tayside Network Event

22 June 2021, Zoom

SMN: Topic Based Event - Near Me Service

25 August 2021, Zoom

SMN: Edinburgh & Lothians Network Event

21 September 2021, Zoom

SMN: Mentoring Information Event

27 October 2021, Zoom

SMN: Online National Event

8 December 2021, Zoom

SMN: Taking Stock of the Year Event

26 January 2022, Zoom

SMN: Topic Based Event (TBC)

22 March 2022, Zoom

SMN: New Members - Welcome to the Network!

19 May 2022, Zoom

SMN: All Members Networking Event

22 September 2022, Zoom

SMN: National Event

27 October 2022, The Studio, 67 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 6AE

SMN: AGM 2022

14 December 2022, Zoom

SMN: Taking Stock Event

19 January 2023, Zoom

SMN: Networking Event

28 April 2023, Zoom

SMN: General Meeting

30 June 2023, Zoom

SMN: Networking Event

7 September 2023, Zoom

SMN: National Event

25 October 2023, The Studio, Glasgow

SMN: Taking Stock of the Year Event

19 January 2024, Zoom

SMN: Networking Event

26 March 2024, Zoom


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