“I’m 49 years old and a mum to two teenage daughters. I’m a retired Police Officer and a member of the Children’s Panel. I’ve always had a real interest in supporting young people, making sure their voices are heard. As adults, we should listen to young people as they have incredibly important things to say and can often teach us a thing or two!

In my career, I’ve worked with many young people, including those in gangs involved in violent offences. Getting to know and understand young people behind their behaviours was critical to supporting them – I realised they often behave in certain ways for a whole host of reasons, not because they ‘want to’. It was eye-opening to see how the lack of a positive role model or trusted adult can have drastic consequences. Having two teenage daughters has also taught me so much about myself and the importance of listening to young people without blame or judgement.

My mother in law was and still is a massive influence in my life, teaching me how to recognise and appreciate my own skills and talents, and see the positive side of things. I’ve had many setbacks in my life but they all have commonalities in their solutions. The best way to deal with a crisis is to breathe and know there’ll be a solution – remember ‘this too shall pass’.

I think having a mentor when I was younger would’ve been amazing to know I had a safe space and supportive person in my life who wasn’t a family member and was there just for me. I was apprehensive at the start of my mentoring journey, however, it was obvious right from the start that the MCR Pathways matching process is thorough and we were extremely well-suited. I’ve learnt more about myself through mentoring, as well as the challenges that many young people face these days. I feel I have a real sense of purpose and I’m privileged to be involved in my mentee’s life. We have great fun and I love the time we spend together. She tells me mentoring has been beneficial to her self-confidence and she is now going to college which she didn’t think she’d be able to!

Everyone has something to bring to the mentoring experience. You have skills you don’t even realise you have and these will come through as a mentor. It’s an hour a week – you do have the time if it’s important to you to be a mentor. It would be the most important hour of that young person’s week. All you have to do is be there and listen. If you’re unsure, speak to an existing MCR Pathways mentor – they will reassure you (I’d be delighted to talk to anyone!). Just do it – it’s the best thing you can do!”