Mentoring

The following is a brief outline of Bridge’s Mentoring Service. If you wish to know more then please feel free to contact us.

What is Mentoring?
Mentoring involves one person helping, supporting and encouraging another person to make progress or changes in their lives. It is not as formal as counselling but is more structured than befriending.

Bridge Programme Mentors
The mentors are volunteers who are prepared to give their own time to help others improve their lives. They will have either some history of addiction to a substance or some knowledge of the issues surrounding such an addiction and so will be able to identify with the problems facing members who have decided to address their alcohol and/or drug problems. They are not counsellors or drug workers. Their role is limited to a few hours a week of help and support.

How does it work?
Our first job is to learn something about you and identify your needs and preferences. Once this has been achieved, we will match you with a suitable mentor. At the first meeting you will get to know each other and decide what you want to get out of the scheme. It may be that you just want someone to talk to, or that there are specific things you want help with. It’s up to you.

What do we expect from you?
You will be a member aiming to control, reduce or give up your drug use. You will be able to work with services properly and be open to support, encouragement and assistance. You will be open and honest with your mentor as well as punctual and reliable.

Confidentiality
We have a clear policy on confidentiality that is observed by staff, volunteers and clients.

Confidentiality will only be breached in such cases where:

• There is a risk of harm to a child
• There is a risk of harm to others.
• There is a risk of suicide.
• The mentor becomes aware that the mentee is involved with criminal activity.