Individual case study - BASE 10 Turning Point Mentoring Service

Base 10 Turning Point in Leeds is a service working to reduce the harm associated with young people affected by problems associated with drugs and alcohol.   Their Mentoring Service matches trained, CRB checked volunteer mentors with these young people and helps them to develop their skills, confidence, knowledge and social support networks.  They see their mentors for about 3 hours once a week and this goes on for approximately six months.

Scott is 15, and was referred to Base 10 Turning Point’s Mentoring Service after being significantly affected by his father’s alcohol use.   Scott had trouble controlling his temper and was often in fights with his peers. He has been in trouble with the law for being aggressive towards his auntie, which culminated in Scott being referred to the Youth Offending Service.  He has been diagnosed with ADHD, has difficulty with social skills and lacks self confidence. 

When he first met his mentor they developed an action plan of goals between them and this is regularly reviewed by Scott, his mentor and the Volunteer Co–ordinator.

Since being referred to the service, Scott has made remarkable progress.  He  has started a two year college course.   “Before I met my mentor I was shy.  Now I feel loads more confident,” says Scott. “My mentor has helped me with my anger.  I don’t argue with my Auntie anymore. 

My mentor’s idea to keep an ‘anger diary’ has helped me. It’s better to write stuff on paper than have it in my head.”   Scott’s also doing well at college. “I tried a lot more in my first year and got 86% attendance.  Next year I’m going to get 100%.”  

Scott’s lifestyle is now much more stable.  He has a regular sleep pattern and routine which was an issue prior to being mentored.  Near the end of his mentoring relationship Scott started to apply for some part-time work to coincide with his college work. His mentor even wrote him a reference.   “The most enjoyable thing about having a mentor has been having someone to talk to and to go to new places,” says Scott. “My mentor was easy to talk to and I felt really listened to.”  

Scott’s mentor, Vandhna Sharma feels that she has also experienced the benefits of the relationship.  “It has been rewarding to expand his view – point and cultural awareness.  It has been good to suggest things to do and goals to work towards and then go out and do them.  I have also gained an appreciation of different lifestyles.  Scott has been challenging to work with, but has been great fun to mentor.  If he gets his head down and focuses he can achieve what he wants to achieve.”

• Name - BASE 10 - Turning Point Mentoring Service
• Project type - Mentoring
• Location - Leeds
• Website - www.turning-point.co.uk
• Phone - 0113 243 3552
• Email - base10@turning-point.co.uk