Meet Rosie!
Rosie supported her mentee to improve his English, travel around London independently, and find an activity to do outside of school. Rosie found an organisation which offers young people the chance to learn about the creative industries. Through the group, her mentee discovered a passion for photography and learnt all about photography.
What do you do for work?
I’m a strategist for an advertising agency.
What do you get up to when you’re not working or volunteering?
I’m an improv comedian and comedy writer. I spend a lot of my free time gigging with my improv team and writing up silly ideas for sketches.
What motivated you to become a volunteer mentor at Hope for the Young?
The pandemic really restricted your ability to help others. After lockdown had lifted and life was nearly back to normal, I was keen to find a way I could support someone in a mentoring capacity.
What’s your favourite memory from mentoring?
We had been in visiting all the local gyms to see if they could offer my mentee a discounted membership. We didn’t have much luck and decided to go to a café for hot chocolate and cake. The hot chocolate was delicious, and we both agreed it was much better than the one they made in our usual café!
What’s the best thing about being a mentor to a young person seeking asylum?
The last 2 months or so, when you can clearly see the reward of all the hard work you and your mentee have put into building a trusting and strong relationship.
What have you learned from volunteering as a mentor to a young person seeking asylum?
Building a relationship with your mentee takes time, however by the end of the 6 months you will be surprised at how close you feel to them and that will be a hugely special feeling.
What tips would you give to other volunteer mentors?
If your mentee isn’t sure what they like doing in their own time, keep suggesting different things, don’t assume they may like one thing or another. Their interests can come from anywhere and you’re best placed to help them find the thing that makes them excited!
We’d like to say a huge thank you to Rosie for volunteering as a mentor with us!
If you’d like to become a volunteer mentor like Rosie, click the button below to find out more and apply!