22/03/2021

A Mentor Story

We recently caught up with Kelli, one of our mentors, to find out what it’s like to be a Trailblazers mentor!

As a mother of two, Kelli has a huge heart and lots of love to give. With an understanding of the challenges young men face, she wanted to use her good nature to help better people’s lives. Due to a fascination with crime programmes and an interest in the justice system, she has always wanted to work inside a prison. Kelli got in contact with us, and currently has two mentees (one in Brinsford and one in Aylesbury). We asked her a few questions about her experiences:

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?

I enjoy helping the young men to reach their potential, seeing them at their worst and helping them to be their best.

Would you recommend mentoring?

Yes I would! If you’re thinking about becoming a mentor, you should definitely give it a go! Young men in prison often receive bad press, but as a mentor you get to see them for the person they really are. I love seeing their faces when I go to see them; they look so happy as I am often the only non-official person who would have seen them that week.

What skills do you think make a good mentor?

You have to be a very good listener! The lads often have lost trust in those around them, so it’s important that they feel you are listening to them in order to build the relationship. You have to be very patient, and be able to move at the same pace as your mentee. If you’re going to be a mentor, you need to be committed to it 100%. Also, never make a promise you can’t keep!

How has being a mentor helped you?

Believe it or not I was 6 stone heavier before I started mentoring, and I lacked confidence. Stepping into the prison and out of my comfort zone, it helped me build confidence in myself as I knew I was doing a good thing. It has changed my perceptions of people, and made me a lot more open minded, not judging a person before I get to know them.

Kelli aspires to work in prisons in the future, potentially in the education or childcare departments. Trailblazers would like to thank Kelli for all of her hard work: like all of our mentors you truly make a difference! Well done!