Volunteer Recruiter/Co-ordinator for The Wyre Forest – Claire Quinn

My name is Claire and I work as a Volunteer Recruiter/Co-ordinator based a Baxter College. Since joining Mentor Link in February 2005, I have been overwhelmed by the range of challenges facing young people today. It has changed my perception entirely in that they are “children with problems” and not “problem children”. Hearing about the difficulties some young people encounter every day certainly puts car troubles and my 5 year old refusing to get dressed into perspective.

Speaking to mentors on a daily basis, it is clear that they get as much out of mentoring as their mentees. Mentor Link is privileged to have a diverse mix of mentors – from 18 to 78, students, employees, parents and those retired, they all bring a wealth of qualities and life experiences to our charity.

If you can spare as little as half-an-hour a week and would link to know more about becoming a volunteer mentor in the Wyre Forest area, please contact me on 07973 572 768 or at cquinn@baxtercollege.worcs.sch.uk

Karen Warwick – Appointment Administrator at Baxter College

My name is Karen Warwick and I am covering Jo Beacham’s maternity leave as Appointments Administrator at Baxter College.
Filling Jo’s shoes has been interesting and challenging and I love working in the school environment and meeting all the children with their diverse challenges. The mentors are a fantastic group of committed individuals who add to the pleasure of my job.
I have three children and come from a background in the Health Service and in my spare time I enjoy quilting and walking.

Liz Collier – Appointment Administrator Ridgeway Middle School and St Bedes Roman Catholic Middle School

In April 2008 I began as a volunteer mentor at Ipsley CE Middle School and have recently started working in the Appointments Administration role. I enjoy working in school and helping support the pupils in their learning environment. Liaising with the Mentors, pupils and school staff is varied and challenging but also rewarding.

Originally from the West of Scotland, I moved to Redditch 12 years ago and am now married with a 4 year old daughter and a puppy Jack Russell. Any free time is spent walking with the pup, reading books and catching up with friends. I also enjoy writing & illustrating short stories for my daughter.

Helen Potter - Appointment Administrator at Elgar Technology College

Hi, I am Helen Potter the Appointments Administrator at Elgar Technology College in Worcester. In the last six months since joining Mentor Link, I have become aware of the vital need for mentoring. Some children have a particular problem they need help in dealing with, but for others it is just everyday life they need a little support and guidance to deal with. I am amazed at the number of mentors who steadily come in week after week giving support and encouragement to their regular pupil/s. They build up good rapport and want to guide ‘their child’ through school life and help them succeed in exams and encourage them to make the right choices after school. Many mentors have grown up children of their own and have learnt through their own life experiences. Some of these children have little or no support from their own home background and their mentor is a vital part of their life.

Chris Tompkin – Trainer

Hello. I joined Mentor Link as trainer in November 2008 and deliver induction training to prospective mentors as well as to peer mentors in schools. My background is in Teaching, Social Care and Staff Development. I am also an active mentor and find this experience very helpful when delivering training.

Living in Stourport I am married with two grown up children and have four lovely grandchildren. My interests include golf, cricket, rugby, music and cooking.

Apart from thoroughly enjoying being a grandparent I am treasurer of Wilden church, a member of Areley Kings Players, play in a local band and generally enjoy a quiet retirement!

Del Bell - Secretary for Mentor Link

Hello my name is Del and I began working as a volunteer mentor at St John’s Middle School in 2005. A Secretarial job became available within Mentor Link based and I applied because I wanted to become more involved with the charity and was really pleased to be offered the job.

I am married with two grown up sons and have two adorable grandsons and in July 2007 I will become a grandmother again for the third time. Over the last three years I have been to college to study Indian Head Massage, Reflexology and Swedish Body Massage, which I do in my spare time. I also enjoy swimming and badminton which helps me to keep fit.

Karen Arnold - Volunteer Recruiter/Co-ordinator for Redditch and Worcester area

I have worked for Mentor Link for the past 4 years.  In my experience, everyone has a unique quality within themselves, and their experience of life can enhance the development of the Mentee. I support Volunteer Mentors from recruitment through to their initial placement as a mentor and beyond.

When I do find time to relax with my husband and 4 children, I enjoy rugby league, (Huddersfield Giants), Gardening, Classical Music and Embroidery.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Mentor and would like to find out more, you can contact me on 0787 5438659 or email mentorlink@fsmail.net

Zoë Elkin- Finance Officer

I am Zoë, the Finance Officer and started working for Mentor Link in November 2007. The job title probably says it all, I qualified as a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians in 2001.

This job means I can now put all my training to good use. It also means my teenage sons can grab a lift to school occasionally.

Alison Spall - Appointment Administrator, The Bewdley School

I am Alison and last year I was a volunteer mentor at Baxter College. I was attracted to the role because I strongly supported the aims and ethos of the charity and wanted to use my experience to help young people locally. I found the experience both challenging and rewarding. When the Appointments Administrator post at The Bewdley School recently became available, I thought it would be an interesting and varied post, which it is certainly proving to be. I am finding it particularly helpful that I have been a mentor myself which provides me with a good understanding of the role and expectations of mentors.

Jo Beacham- Fundraiser for Mentor Link

My name is Jo Beacham and I have worked for Mentor Link for 4 years, first as Appointment Administrator for Baxter College and now in my new role as Fundraiser.  I am part of the Mentor Link fundraising team, and am very much enjoying my new role.  It is exciting and varied and we are planning lots of events over the coming months.  If you would like to know a full list of the events we are planning or would like to get involved you can contact me on 01299 400616 or email jo_mentorlink@talktalk.net When I’m not working I have a very busy and fulfilling life looking after my three beautiful young children.