Day 1

by Caroline Dobson - 18:19 on 13 March 2010

Corinn Henderson spoke to the Club about the Highland charity Day 1, which was established by Robert Murray and Ed Ley-Wilson, to provide young people between the ages of 14 to 17 with a yearlong one-to-one befriending and mentoring service, the aim of which is not only to help them discover a positive direction in their lives but also to move into work. Their rigorous evaluation programme shows that they are succeeding in their aims. The criteria for a young person to be included on the programme is that they have no job experience, low self esteem, no clear hobbies or interests ,i.e. are drifting, and lack respect for others. Mentors are volunteers from the community who met the person they are mentoring once a week for 2-3 hours. Sometimes meetings involve outdoor activities but often are centred on practical tasks such as completing computer exercises. Each volunteer gets some training and a subsistence allowance to cover necessary expenses. The charity is supported by European Social Fund money and works closely with Highland Council. Although funding support is always welcome they are also looking for people to offer work experience placements, even for as little as one day , and to recruit mentors. The charity hopes to expand into a social enterprise scheme to provide its own work experience and to raise further funds. Anyone requiring further information can visit www.day1.uk.com.

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