Callie was a bright girl and academically on track, although this was slipping due to her low attendance, anxiety and low mood. She had been referred to CAMHs and was waiting to hear if they would offer further support. Callie’s mum was supportive of the mentoring programme, her Dad struggled to understand mental health issues and her need for support.
Callie was keen to have a mentor, and within a couple of sessions she revealed to her mentor that she had been regularly self-harming and have attempted several overdoses which her family did not know about.
With the support from staff, Callie’s mentor began to help her with coping strategies to recognise when she was feeling low and who to turn to for support.
However, after one particular session Callie’s mentor was concerned for her safety and contacted the coordinator, they both supported Callie in seeing her doctor. It was agreed with Callie that both the mentor and the coordinator would regularly check in with her. The coordinator also contacted Callie’s mum to follow up on the GP appointment and to help signpost Callie to Surrey Care Trust’s counselling services.
After a few weeks, the coordinator called Callie to check in with how she was feeling regarding mentoring, and Callie shared she felt they had come a long way in terms of her mental health and that she was starting counselling sessions soon; she wasn’t sure what the mentoring should focus on now.
Callie was worried about her GCSE exams and finding a job, so Callie and her mentor decided they would see each other once every two weeks, to compliment her counselling and began focusing on organising her revision to prepare for her exams, and working on her CV.
My mocks went really well, I exceeded my target grades and was offered a place for the college course I wanted!
Callie had built a trusting relationship with her mentor and continued to turn to her for support when needed but at this point she had not self-harmed or attempted an overdose in over six months. This also helped her to trust the counsellor and recognise the triggers in her life.
Callie’s mentor says: ‘’Struggling to attend school due to a mix of wellbeing challenges, to seeing her successfully get into college to do A-levels. It demonstrated to me the value a young person gains from being listened to, believed and from having a relationship they can trust at a time of turmoil in their lives. It was pleasure to see her thrive and a privilege to have helped.’’
Callie has now stopped mentoring but continues to grow in confidence and is attending college.
My mentor really helped me out and I don’t think I’d be where I am today without his help
Visit here to find out more about our Wellbeing Mentoring.
