MEMBER NEWS: Launch of RISE Mentoring Programme by Grace Chocolates

We are delighted to share the following press release from our members, Grace Chocolates:

This April we will begin a new programme called RISE Mentoring Programme which is designed to help women with lived experience of the criminal justice system make positive changes in their lives. It is the aim of the programme to give Respect to the mentees, Inspire and Support them and Empower them to achieve their goals and actions through their mentoring match and relationship over a period of 6 months.

Launching after a successful pilot in 2021 we are now able to expand the programme and are looking to support 6 women in our first intake of 2022. If you have the time to dedicate each month where you will have the opportunity to further your own skills and attend training whilst helping make a difference then we want to hear from you. The role of volunteer mentor will be supported with full training delivered in conjunction with the Scottish Mentoring Network (some of which is CPD Accredited) and regular support meetings with the mentor coordinator to ensure that everyone is getting the most out of the programme. We are particularly keen to appoint mentors who have personal lived experience of the criminal justice system.

Recruitment is open now until the 28th February and information on the role and training can be found at https://www.gracechocolates.co.uk/rise-mentoring-programme/

What is it like to be a mentor at Grace Chocolates?

"It has challenged my view of the criminal justice system greatly and I've learned a lot about myself too, both in working with my mentee and in supervision - it has challenged me to become a more open and accepting person"

Debz - Current Mentor

The programme is funded by Impact Funding Partners and the Scottish Government and over the next three years our aim is recruit 25 volunteer mentors and mentees who are committed to a minimum of 1 year for mentors and a minimum of 6 months for mentees.