After 40 years as an Over 18's Service, it has been a particularly exciting time to be able to secure funding to be able to over a service for people age 16 - 25 years old! 

Our new Young Persons Service Manager is Don McLellan. 

We stopped and took time out to chat with Don and here's what we talked about!

I asked Don what the Young Persons Service does. Don said, "The service offers personal development courses, one to one mentoring support for 16 – 25 year olds - which is a 16 week programme where we can support people to develop good communication skills, help build confidence, tap into their creativity, manage feelings, planning/problem solving, help people to build healthier relationships, build resilience or having someone to talk to. We can also provide information and guidance on what we do and other services we can sign post people to."

What's your role at Doncaster Mind? 

My role includes working with a dedicated group of staff and volunteers to develop Doncaster Mind Young People’s Service. Whether this is looking at ways we can grow and improve our mental health provision, supporting our team of volunteers or working with clients 1:1.

What do you love most about your job?

Seeing the progress that our young people make through our Mentoring programme. I am very passionate about providing better mental health & wellbeing support for young people in Doncaster. I love working with a team who feel the same way. 

Who can become a Mentor? 

You have to be at least 18 years old and be enthusiastic & passionate, and have a desire to help others. We are looking for people who have an interest in mental health and wellbeing or have lived experience. The young people we support can be diverse and unique, and we need volunteers who are empathetic, understanding, good communicators & patient.  As a volunteer, you will receive an induction, full training and ongoing support throughout.

How can people apply to become a Mentor?

You can apply by visiting our website www.doncastermind.org.uk and clicking the ‘Get involved’ tab.

Mentoring for Doncaster Mind is a great opportunity to give something to the next generation. It is rewarding to see the journey of a young person from beginning to end - there is no feeling quite like it. I would not hesitate to recommend mentoring a young person. 

Who can access this service? 

This service is for 16 – 25 year old who need support with their mental health and wellbeing. And would like to explore different tools and life skills to help them to maintain good mental health and discuss issues that are particularly important to them.

I asked Don to tell us a little bit about him - and I hope that some of the Mentee's can teach him some new jokes. 

Is there anything else we should know about you? 

I joined the Doncaster Mind team at the start of August after spending over a decade working with young adults with autism and other complex needs. I love a challenge, and being part of a service where there is a real need for growth is an exciting opportunity for me. I like to relax with exercise, music and spending time with friends and family.

Tell us a joke that you like. 

Hmmm…

I took the shell off my racing snail thinking it might make it a bit faster.

If anything, it made it more sluggish..

What a note to end on - we hope that you have enjoyed hearing from our Young Person's Manager and we've taken some of the mystery out of who is on the end of the phone!

If you'd like to refer into the service visit www.doncastermind.org.uk/refer, call 01302 812190 and leave your name and what service you hope to access or email office@doncastermind.org.uk 

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