Introduction

LM29 was a direct referral to us from a local school. This is a current case one which our mentor has provided one-to-one mentoring for nearly every week since June 2008. LM29 is becoming more confident and seems to have less anger issues. Our Mentor has set a goal with LM29 for her not to be excluded for a month. LM29 has so far achieved this. LM29 is attending Anger Management lessons, which the school are providing. We believe the improvement in LM29’s behaviour and her self-esteem is being achieved through the School and CLM working together to help and support LM29.

Background information

LM29 is an angry 13 year old whose real mother was prone to reject her after her parents divorced. She was frequently thrown out of the house between the ages of 9-11 until she went to live with her dad. Her mother’s new partner will not have her in the house when he is there. She was very close to her grandfather (father’s side) until he died (she still carries a picture of him) and visits his grave often.

LM29 has a good female role model in her father’s new partner who is always there to support LM29, but becomes upset when LM29 talks about her mother and what she has said/done to LM29. LM29 feels she has nobody to talk to, as she cannot speak to her stepmother.

LM29 was frequently put on report, in detention, excluded from school. She could not manage her behaviour, had outbursts of anger, some teachers would not have her in their lessons as she was confrontational. Her self-esteem was low and she had very little confidence.

The Mentors Role

The aim of the Mentor was to:

• Provide one to one support and be a good friend, to gain the trust and respect of LM29.
• Help make constructive changes in her life and behaviour, involve her in positive activities.
• Help to improve her self-esteem and confidence and be able to deal with the anger issues.
• Encourage her to be open about her problems.
• Encourage her to raise her educational level.

Outcomes

CLM’s mentor and LM29 are good friends; they meet regularly twice a week and have done so for the last 3 months. They attend yoga every week and also meet again usually for a coffee and a chat. They have also tried sailing, tennis and street dance. LM29’s confidence has grown and she has set herself a goal of getting out of the bottom set of maths. CLM have spoken to the school to ask for help to achieve her goal and are looking into Kumon classes if the school cannot help. The school help with anger management classes every week and so far LM29 has not been in trouble. Her behaviour at school has improved with the deputy head telling her he was pleased he hadn’t seen her so far this term. She is also building a relationship with her mother and her new partner and has been to stay at weekends.

Conclusion

LM29 is trying to take control of her life. She “wants to be good” and do well at school. She is more confident and keen to try new things. Hopefully with continued support she will achieve her goal and improve her maths.