Mentors across Merseyside recognised in award ceremony.

Volunteer Centre Sefton hosted the Merseyside Volunteer Mentor of the Year Awards to recognise the work of volunteer mentors and befrienders across Merseyside. Four awards in different categories were presented to individuals who go out of their way to make a positive difference to other people’s lives. 

 The awards were presented by the Lady Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Maureen Fearn and Anne Wheelan, the Mentoring & Befriending Foundation’s Regional Coordinator to volunteers from projects identified through Volunteer Centre Sefton Basis Bridging the Gap Merseyside Mentoring, Befriending Project. 

Young Mentor of the Year went to Amy Myers volunteer at Christ Church youth and community Centre, Bootle. Amy has volunteered for 2 years as a mentor with the after school club and holiday club. Jenny Coates who nominated Amy said “ Amy has had a tremendous impact on our centre because all the young people can look up to her with respect”. Brian McCormack, from St Helens , was the winner of Mentor of the Year for his role as a volunteer with Mersey Care Ashworth Hosptail, where Brian has volunteered as a visitor befriender for the past 10 years. Neil Tunstall, Merseycare Voluntary Sector Manager said “ The dedication and commitment Brian has shown over the last 10 years is admirable. The patients Brian has visited have greatly valued his time and care and improved there confidence and self esteem whilst reducing the feeling of social isolation.  

 Volunteer Mentor of the Year was awarded to Debra Kurs from Liverpool. Debra volunteers with the Turn It Around Project. Through mentoring Debra has diverted young people from re-offending. She also trains young women in peer Mentoring Debra provides vital out of hours support and constructive activites for young women engaged with the criminal justice system. Innov8 volunteer Kate Rimmer was successful in the Young Buddy of the year category. Kate Johnson who nominated her said “she has a fantastic nature and has built up a excellent repport with her buddy. Despite studying full time Kate hardly ever misses her weekly appointments and has made a huge impact on the life of her buddy. 

 Mentoring can be an effective way of helping people to progress in their personal and professional lives. A mentoring relationship between two people can foster self believe and boost confidence. Many of us could easily identify mentors throughout our own lives.

 If you would like to pass on the gift of mentoring and volunteer your time to mentor someone in your local area there are many local projects like the ones above who are currently looking recruit good mentors. Please contact Suzanne Munro 01704 501024 ext 223 or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it