For immediate release: 10 July 2014
MENTORS TO ADVANCE CHARITY GROWTH
Charity staff are hoping that a new programme will help them to get ahead start in improving their services for carers.
The new mentoring programme aims to bringbusiness leaders into services for carers so they can use their expertise to help the services to thrive and grow.
Leaders in the worlds of industry, pharmaceuticals, nursing, social care and the public sector are among those who have already joined the programme and volunteered to mentor the servicessupported by Carers Trust, the UK’s largest charity for carers.
The scheme, known as the ADVANCE programme, has been so successful that more mentors are now being sought to bring their skills to the15 services on the waiting list. The plan is to recruit mentors for 50 services by 2015.
Rosemary Hawkins, Head of Programmes and Quality Assurance at Carers Trust, said:
“We’re thrilled with the calibre of the entrants we’ve recruited so far– now we want to see more of the best in their field put themselves forwardfor this rewarding role.
“The kinds of people who have come on board so far have been creative, forward thinking and up for a challenge. By bringing a wealth of new skills in areas such as service growth, finance and long-term planning, mentors are using their skills to help services think and act differently, which has given both parties a huge sense of satisfaction.”
For example, two London services are working together and having a shared annual board meeting as well as doing joint marketing for their services.
There are currently 11 mentors working with 20servicesin England and Wales, but Carers Trust is hoping to widen its scope throughout Englandand Wales and roll out the programmein Scotland.
Hilary Samson-Barry, lead ADVANCE mentor, said: “The ADVANCEprogramme is helping services and their leaders to focus on priorities that will sustain and grow their services for carers, and it is also proving beneficial to the mentors, as it isstretching them to apply their skills in a new area, while also helping to make a big difference.”
Mentors give their time free of charge, but the value to Carers Trust and the services is £800,000 per year. Mentors go through a rigorous selection process and if successful need to commit to 10 days over a 12-month period.
The programme is supported through charitable donations and is continuing to fundraise to expand into more of the UK.
See the following for more information -ADVANCE programme.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
To find out more about the ADVANCE programme or to arrange an interview with a mentor and a person being mentored, please contact Yvonne McDonald, PR and Communications Manager, 020 7922 7751 or 07824 539481
- Carers Trust is a major new charity for, with and about carers. We work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.
- We do this with our Network Partners - a unique network of 124 independent carers’ centres, 73 Crossroads Care schemes and 107 young carer’s services. Together we work as one organisation united by a shared vision for carers -to make sure that information, advice and practical support are available to all carers across the UK.
- There are seven million carers in the UK - seven million reasons to care and to get involved. For further information about your nearest service, please visit our website