Are you an adopter? Do you feel you can support others?
Could you spend an hour a week, a fortnight or a month mentoring a new adoptive parent?
“It’s a good way to support others.”
what people said about peer mentoring last year
“Building relationships and sharing experiences.”
“Allowed me to reflect on my journey.”
“I have been able to develop my skills, which has helped me to get back into work.”
Every adoptive parent has exceptional experience which enables them to offer support and encouragement to adopters as they move through the adoption journey. And we know there’s nothing quite like talking to another adopter whose lived experience means that they ‘get it’. This is not a substitute for the professional advice that new parents will receive – it’s about being a supportive and reassuring mentor, providing new perspectives and approaches, and signposting services and resources.
Our peer mentoring project is an exciting new Adopt South West initiative, and we’re looking for volunteers from experienced adoptive parents. Initially the project will provide early placement support to adoptive parents who have just had a child placed. As the project develops, it will be widened to support other groups of adopters. Support will be provided on a flexible, tailored basis, virtually or in person, and may include evening support.
Mentors will undertake online learning and attend online workshops and will receive regular supervision and support as required. This is a volunteer role, but appropriate expenses for travel will be reimbursed. Checks and references will be undertaken, including DBS checks, and applicants will be expected to attend an informal interview.
Positive feedback from people who have previously been peer mentors
Mentors from Devon/Cornwall border:
“Being a mentor has allowed me to support someone in their adoption journey. I have found this to be a very rewarding experience.
“Offering support and a listening ear as a mentor has been very rewarding. The chance to share my experience and offer reassurance and practical advice has hopefully been helpful and encouraging.
“I think that being a mentor has been a great way to give back to someone who is undertaking the adventure of adoption.”
Mentors from Somerset:
“I really feel excited to be part of ASW post adoption support. It is great to be there from the beginning as the network of mentors for adopters builds. I wish this kind of support had been available for me all these years ago .
“When asked about a situation, it feels rewarding to be able to calm fears by just listening. Mentees know I have been through something similar and come out the other side!
“During our three-month review it made me feel really valued when (the mentee) said she felt I understood how she was feeling and my concern for her helped her feel that her emotions were justified.”
Mentors from Cornwall:
“I have found mentoring really rewarding being able to help new adoptees in the first stages of becoming a family. Not only have I felt useful to help reassure families as a mentor, but the added bonus is seeing how far they have come, from when we first met.”
We asked new parents for their feedback:
– the mentoring scheme has been really beneficial to us as a couple as well as new parents.
– our mentor really helped us to realise that what we were feeling was completely normal in the early stages of being placed with a child.
– we were able to be ourselves and talk openly and honestly with someone who has been through the tough process.
– we were able to talk about parent stuff and boy stuff! Not just adoption.
– we have made a really good friend from the mentoring scheme and it’s great for our little one to know other adopted children.
– our mentor helped us to talk through issues we were having, and gain their perspective.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Bev at Adopt South West by email adoptsouthwestsupport@devon.gov.uk