For some children it helps them to process their feelings and experiences through games, or craft activities such as making ‘missing you’ boxes or making cards / writing letters for the parent / family member in prison. Others might want to try and learn about how to manage difficult feelings such as anger, sadness or mixed feelings. Some might simply enjoy having a mentor to offload to and some might like the mentor to talk to about wider challenges such as friendships, or their education. The design of the sessions are informed by the child.

We also understand that children who access school based mentoring might not want other children in their school to know why they are having ‘special attention’ so we work hard to protect their privacy.

When we support children in schools we do feedback to one teacher or member of staff, nominated by the family, so that school can be as supportive as possible. If other professionals are involved in the child’s life, such as social workers, we can, with permission from the family, attend meetings such as core group meetings to feedback about the progress the child is making in their mentoring sessions.