Our news

North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust (North Mid) is giving young people in Enfield and Haringey the chance to take part in a mentoring scheme. In collaboration with Enfield Council, North Mid mentors will work closely with the young residents to determine where they need the most support and provide them with the relevant guidance over a six-month period.

The programme which is funded by North Mid Charity is the first mentoring project to take place within the community. Working with schools across both boroughs as well as the Enfield Youth services, over 40 local young people aged between 13-19 years old applied to join the scheme, of which 30 were selected after completing an application form.

With the aim of providing young, local residents with the tools they need to thrive, 14 members staff across North Mid also applied to take part as volunteer mentors. Coming from a range of difference backgrounds including human resources, play leaders as well as nursing, upon selection, mentors undertook 150 hours of extensive training, organised by Enfield Council. The training covered subjects such as child safeguarding, boundary setting and the roles and responsibilities of being a mentor.

Throughout the programme, both mentors and mentees will complete a workbook created by both North Mid and Enfield Council. The workbook outlines the topics the young people would like to focus on and what they’d like to achieve. Topics include family, school, careers and confidence. Based on their specific goal, mentors will meet their designated young residents at least two or three times a month to provide the relevant support and guidance as well as set tasks for them to complete in time for their next meeting.

Specific, measureable, achievable and realistic goals will be set within a practicable time frame and agreed at the start of the programme to help track progress throughout.

Whilst there are several benefits for mentees to take part in this program, mentors will equally gain various skills and experiences which will aid their professional development. Throughout the duration of the programme North Mid mentors will develop leadership and management qualities, further improve their confidence as well as boost their personal growth.

Dr Nnenna Osuji, Chief Executive Officer, at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, said: “As one of the largest local employers in the area, we’re proud to be working with our partners to inspire young people and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop their careers and be the best that they can be.

“Providing our local community and our workforce with a platform to come together enables them build on their strengths and learn from each other. By joining forces, we aim to establish a professional network that generates additional opportunities which will be beneficial to the local community and beyond.”

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Mahtab Uddin said: “We are proud to be working with North Middlesex Hospital on this pioneering programme that will help to give young people confidence, skills and the tools to make informed choices about their lives and career paths.

“We are also extremely happy to be in the position to help North Mid staff to become volunteer mentors, broadening their workplace experiences and competencies to offer invaluable guidance to Enfield residents. This project is a true example of how Enfield Council and partners can work collaboratively to the benefit of local people.”  

The Trust continuously aims to develop their staff as well as create employment opportunities for the future generation. Over 100 apprentices have been employed from local schools across the borough – many of which who have embarked on fantastic NHS careers.

All staff who have undertaken a role of being a mentor on this project will receive credits towards an AQA accreditation.