Introduction

LM16 was referred to us by CPAST (Youth Inclusion and Support Panel) in 2007. A school in High Wycombe made the original referral in the same year. CLM provided one-to-one mentoring support every week for 8 months and during this period LM16 gradually improved his behaviour and outlook on life. We strongly believe he achieved the best possible result due to the help and support provided by the School, CPAST and Chiltern Lighthouse Mentoring.

Background information

LM16 was a troubled 13-year-old young man who lacked a male role model in his life. He appeared to have suffered years of negative emotions and when a close friend died in a car accident in 2006 he had difficulties coping with this.

LM16’s Mum was his main support at home who was also trying to work whilst looking after her 4 children. His home life was chaotic, had no structure and little discipline.

LM16 was already excluded from Secondary School when he entered our programme and had been sent to remedial school. He could not manage his behaviour; he had outbursts of anger, refused to attend lessons, and was very disruptive and often got into confrontation with both students and teachers. He was also unable to take responsibility for his actions or face up to the consequences.

His self-esteem was low and he had very little confidence. He was in trouble with the police for criminal activities, had trouble controlling his temper at home; and was associating with offending peers.

The Mentors Role

The aim of the Mentor was to:

• Provide one to one support and be a good friend to LM16, one he could trust and respect.
• Help LM16 make constructive changes in his life and behaviour and involve him in lots of positive activities.
• Help him improve his self-esteem and confidence and be able to deal with his anger issues.
• Try to get him back to secondary school and encourage him to raise his educational level.

Outcomes

CLM’s Mentor and LM16 became good friends; they met nearly every week. They involved themselves in games of golf, billiards; indoor climbing went to the gym and museum and had many walks and chats. Slowly LM16’s self esteem and confidence grew and he seemed to come to terms with the difficulties in his life. He now looks smarter and although he is a quiet person he now talks more freely.

The Mentor also worked with the Secondary and Remedial School, which led to a new appraisal of LM16’s performance, and he was admitted back to his Secondary school earlier this year. He also attended anger management classes. His behaviour at school is now generally good, he manages his anger, most of the time, but he still has a problem with time keeping.

Mentors report July 2008: "LM16 has done well at Secondary school having kept his nose clean and has won the year drama award. He seems to have astonished everyone I have spoken to including his mother. He has taken up boxing and has been booked on to the SKIDZ Scheme by the school – He has been promoted from a low to middle stream. Mother is proud to call him my son again."

LM16 has not been in trouble this year with the police – he has reduced his association with offending peers but still associates with a dubious young person. However, we are not too concerned, as this young person has now entered our mentoring programme.

Conclusion

LM16 is now able to take responsibility for his actions and is able to face up to the consequences. Although his home life is still chaotic his mother states his behaviour is much better and he is able in most cases, to control his outbursts of anger. Mum now feels she is able to cope with him and there is a strong bond between them. LM16’s main goal in life is to be a plasterer.