Church mentors helping pupils 'in variety of ways'

A school in north Devon has partnered with a church to support young people through a mentoring programme.

Twelve members of St Mary Magdalene Church's congregation hold mentoring sessions at Chulmleigh Community College to talk about everything from issues with friendships to career advice.

Teachers at the school said they had seen a big difference in the students' behaviour and emotional wellbeing, and the scheme was not faith-based.

Rachel Woods, the designated safeguarding lead for the college, said: "Whether it's raising ambition, dealing with the everyday trials and tribulations of teenage life, or getting ready for a mock exam, we use our mentors in a variety of different ways."

Although the mentors were members of the church, Ms Woods said it was not about faith.

"It's not evangelical at all, it's just about meeting the needs of the children," she said.

"It takes a village to raise a child, not just mum and dad and the school community, but the wider community as well."

The mentors have backgrounds in teaching, media, law, optometry and the Ministry of Defence, and are matched with students according to common interests and personalities.

Yaromyr, one of the pupils involved in the scheme, said it "helped me understand myself better".

Iris, another pupil, added: "I wasn't necessarily doing the best, and everybody has said there has been an amazing change in my behaviour in school."

Lilly, the scheme's longest mentee, said: "I feel more confident because I've been able to talk to people. It's been a big change in myself and I feel like a better person now."

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