Could you be a mentor?
Are you a good listener? Could you share your knowledge and experience with others?
Mentoring is a great way for our clients to receive expert guidance from those who have ‘been there, done that’. Mentors meet with clients on a one-to-one basis over email, video call or phone.
PRIME Cymru is looking for new volunteer mentors to be matched with clients across Wales. Mentors join us as volunteers from all types of career backgrounds, offering knowledge, experience and expertise. Their help and encouragement provides invaluable support to those who need a hand to secure a job or make their business dreams become a reality.
View the PRIME Cymru Mentoring Programme Information Pack here.
The PRIME Cymru mentoring scheme Mentor Now! has been established to add to the range and scope of professional support to those who wish to:
- Return to employment after a period of inactivity
- Enter self-employment
- Find education and training opportunities
- Develop their self confidence
- Connect with their community through volunteering
Mentor Spotlight
After retiring from his job as an Environmental Co-ordinator, Nick Carruthers wanted to stay mentally stimulated.He was put in touch with PRIME Cymru by his local Job Centre and was invited to a mentor circle meeting.
Since then, he’s been ‘drip-fed’ a varied list of clients. He’s supported people back into employment following redundancy, guided numerous start-ups and explored new opportunities for retirees.
Nick finds the pace of mentoring perfect alongside his part time job.
He said: “It’s nothing too onerous, but it’s a complete change to what I do day-to-day, and it keeps my brain active.”
The variety of clients has kept things interesting, Nick has supported start-ups such as a health & wellbeing company, a cleaning agency and a cacti stall.
He said: “My prime concern is to listen to them, sometimes they just want to talk and get things out of their system. But if they want my guidance, I can help them with their website, business plans or future aspirations.
“It’s very rewarding and interesting and the support I’ve had from Head Office [at PRIME Cymru] has been great. I would recommend it to anyone who feels they have something to contribute.”
“It’s very rewarding and interesting and the support I’ve had from Head Office [at PRIME Cymru] has been great. I would recommend it to anyone who feels they have something to contribute.”
What do the mentees think?
One of Nick's former clients is Pepe Aristizabal, aged 50, who was made redundant from the hospitality industry during the Covid-19 pandemic.
With support from Nick, Pepe built up his business from a stall in farmers' markets to now opening his own shop - Pepe Cactus - recognisable for its plants in novelty mugs and pots.
Pepe found Nick very useful to talk to during the initial stages.
He said: "It boosted my confidence to bounce my ideas off someone else. Nick is enthusiastic and approachable, so it was a rewarding process because there was no critique, just help.
"Nick is someone I can discuss ideas with - it gets your mind working about how to move things forward. He also has a lot of knowledge about what is available to small businesses in Wales."
For an initial informal discussion about mentoring please contact Beverley Kennett, Projects Manager, at beverley@primecymru.co.uk or on 07969 518083.
One of Nick's former clients is Pepe Aristizabal, aged 50, who was made redundant from the hospitality industry during the Covid-19 pandemic.
With support from Nick, Pepe built up his business from a stall in farmers' markets to now opening his own shop - Pepe Cactus - recognisable for its plants in novelty mugs and pots.
Pepe found Nick very useful to talk to during the initial stages.
He said: "It boosted my confidence to bounce my ideas off someone else. Nick is enthusiastic and approachable, so it was a rewarding process because there was no critique, just help.
"Nick is someone I can discuss ideas with - it gets your mind working about how to move things forward. He also has a lot of knowledge about what is available to small businesses in Wales."
For an initial informal discussion about mentoring please contact Beverley Kennett, Projects Manager, at beverley@primecymru.co.uk or on 07969 518083.
