Resources and events

We produce a wide range of resources to support mentoring and befriending practitioners ' guides, training packs, DVDs, booklets and a magazine.

To see our full list of resources go to www.mandbf.org.uk/resources/publications/

Hear first-hand accounts of relationships that change lives and encourage social inclusion at the mentoring and befriending celebrating success event

31st January 2008 – Terrace Pavilion, House of Commons
Hosted by Rt. Hon. Hazel Blears

(click here for the agenda)

Forty MPs including cabinet ministers will hear first-hand accounts of how mentoring and befriending programmes in England have helped refugees, young carers, school children and the disabled at a special event in Westminster on Thursday, January. 31st.

Most will be responding to invitations from their own constituents, some as young as 13, to a Celebration of Mentoring and Befriending, hosted by Communities Minister the Rt. Hon. Hazel Blears and the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.

They will hear moving stories from a 15-year-old living in Dartford, who has spent much of his teenage years caring for his grandmother, a blind man who can now run marathons and play golf and a young boy who overcame language barriers with the help of an older mentor.

Hazel Blears MP, Minister for Local Government and Communities, who is hosting the event, said: “Mentoring and Befriending provides valuable support to those at risk of social exclusion or isolation within local communities.

“Over 4000 projects within England work closely with individuals to make a real difference to their lives and wellbeing, leading to positive and lasting outcomes.

“The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation is a key strategic partner of government and works closely with DCLG to promote the development of a more cohesive society.

“That is why I am happy to sponsor this event at Westminster. I hope this event will raise awareness amongst politicians and policy makers to the impact and personal benefits of mentoring and befriending as a support service to advise and help individuals of all ages through a period of transition in their lives.”

Fifteen-year-old Kevin Elliott, known as KJ has spent most of his early teens supporting his mum by caring for his elderly grandmother.

His Befriender Tanya Stephens meets with him on a regular basis so that he has someone to talk to and share his problems.

“It has helped me also,” said Tanya. “It has opened my eyes to what some youngsters have to juggle with in their lives.”

A degenerative eye condition caused computer analyst Peter Moriarty (52) to lose his sight.

Yet he can play a round of golf and run a marathon because of the support he receives from sighted Bruce Awford, his Befriender who teamed up with him through the Worcestershire Association for the Blind.

“If it wasn’t for Bruce I would spend so much time just sitting around at home. It has given me a sense of freedom and focus I did not think I would have,” said Peter.

MPs will hear from school children on the value of peer mentoring and how it helped them to deal with any troubles at home or in the classroom.

One boy aged 13 who arrived in England with very little English will describe how an older pupil helped him to get on with his learning and to adapt to life in an Essex school through regular mentoring sessions.

He says he faced many barriers and cultural difficulties.

The politicians will meet with volunteers and service users representing 36 social inclusion and educational projects from around the country working at tackling a range of issues from alcoholism and homelessness to mental health and offending.

Peter Collins, Chief Executive of the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation said: “These are just a few of the life-changing experiences that the practice of mentoring and befriending has created for individuals facing barriers and disadvantages in life.

“It can help people of all ages and ethnicity to overcome obstacles in their lives and to achieve goals that they might have considered beyond them.

Mentoring and Befriending – “Celebrating Success” takes place in The Terrace Pavilion, Palace of Westminster, 12 noon – 2p.m. Thursday 31st January.

If you wish to attend please contact Trevor Green or Emma Dobie at the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation on 0161 787 8600.

(click here for the agenda)