Exploring the Power of Mentoring and Befriending in Bristol
“For many of the young people we work with, their mentor is the first healthy adult relationship they’ve had.”
This powerful quote, shared by a youth outreach worker at a local Bristol church, was one of many transformative testimonies shared during our recent mentoring convention. What it reveals is that the simple role that a coach, mentor or befriender plays - a trusted friend, a listening ear, and an encouraging word - for so many can be greatly redemptive and liberating.
Back in the summer, when we explored Bristol’s mentoring sector (find out more here) we found that whilst there’s a range of organisations in Bristol offering 1 to 1 mentoring, befriending or coaching to vulnerable individuals, they don’t tend to see themselves as a sector. It was spotting this gap in the market that prompted us to host our recent Mentoring Convention.