How can a mentor help?

The aim of the Back to Life project is to support the sometimes difficult process of moving on with your life after a period of mental distress. Mentors offer their support and advice gained from their personal experiences. They could help you:

• develop the skills you need to find the job you want
• update your CV or fill in a job application
• access a course you’re interested in studying
• start socialising again, for example going to the cinema, going out for a coffee or taking up a new sport

Overall, your mentor will offer you non-judgemental support to help you achieve your goals. They are not there to act as your counsellor, therapist or doctor.

Who are the mentors?

Mentors are male volunteers, who may or may not have direct experience of mental illness. They live in London and are interviewed and fully trained in mentoring skills, before being matched with you.

Am I eligible for a mentor?

To be eligible for a mentor, you need to be:

• Aged 18-35
• Living in Southwark, Lambeth or Lewisham
  
• Accessing South London and Maudsley mental health services
• Interested in being supported by a mentor

How will I be matched with my mentor?

The mentors provide information about their interests and expectations of the project. We will then give you this information, so you can choose who you would prefer to be your mentor. Although we will try and take into account everyone's preferences, the numbers of mentors available could limit choice. The Project Coordinator will make the final decision about matching.

If you think you would benefit from the support of a mentor, register here.

If you or a friend needs help now please contact one of the organisations below:

www.samaritans.org
www.sane.org.uk
www.thecalmzone.net
www.mind.org.uk
www.rethink.org

Did you Know?

Many people have pre-conceived ideas about what mental illness is and why people become mentally ill. In reality:

• Mental illness is very common – 1 in 4 of us will experience some kind of mental illness during our lifetime.
• People with mental illness can’t help what is happening to them. It is a real problem, just like any other illness. People with mental illness are not weak; it is not something they can just snap out of.
• People with mental illness are unlikely to be dangerous; in fact you’re more at risk of violence from young men under the influence of alcohol than you are from someone with a mental health problem.
• Mental illness is treatable. With the right treatment and support most people recover or are able to manage their symptoms successfully and go on to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
• People with mental illness are not weak; it is not something they can just snap out of.
• Many famous people have had mental health problems. Churchill battled serious bouts of depression, Paul Merton spent time at the Maudsley Hospital, Ray Charles suffered from clinical depression and Stephen Fry has lived with bi-polar depression for many years.

If you would like to be a mentee, register here.