I spent the past year volunteering as a mentor for a Swindon charity that goes by the name of SMASH (Swindon Mentoring and Self Help). Being a kid can be tough, and we all know the trials and tribulations of growing up and trying to find your place in the big wide world. But for some young people within our local community, this time can be even tougher. 

SMASH works with young people who are struggling to cope with all sorts of issues such as neglect, abuse, mental health problems, eating disorders, bullying, and bereavement. These young people are sometimes  not getting enough attention, encouragement or advice at home so SMASH teams them up with a volunteer for a year, who provides encouragement, support and guidance. 

After completing my training, I was paired with a 15 year old girl who had various things going on in her home and personal life. She was suffering with depression, was very angry and was also regularly being suspended from school. It took a while to gain trust and to create a bond with her, but through spending a few hours each week together we soon began to develop a really special relationship and I could see her changing. She set personal goals and I helped her to achieve them. Over the course of our year together, she learnt to walk away from potentially troublesome situations and how to take responsibility for her actions. She began to think more positively and her self-esteem increased. Her turnaround in behaviour and attitude was impressive. She even took part in organising fundraising events for SMASH herself and went on a residential activity trip that was funded by the project. Although challenging at times, it was a pleasure mentoring this young person for a year. I saw first-hand what a difference this charity can make. There is so much emphasis on the importance of Social Workers and Trained Professionals to work with these young people, but the fact that I was doing this because I wanted to, and not just because I was being paid to do it, made a huge difference to the way she viewed me.  Our weekly meet-ups provided her with stability and the chance to vent to someone whilst enjoying an activity such as swimming, bowling or just a chat over a coffee. 

SMASH works with a large variety of young people who are from all different backgrounds. A lot of the young people are getting into trouble at school, getting into fights and into trouble with the police. Some are young carers who, without SMASH, wouldn't get the opportunity to go out and do 'kid stuff'. Some of them are suffering from mental health issues that their mentors help them to overcome and take steps to grow their confidence and make them realise that they are capable of achieving anything. 

In addition to providing mentors, SMASH organises events and activities to give the young people new opportunities that will challenge and inspire them.

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my page. Any donations, no matter how big or small, will be hugely appreciated by both the charity and myself. 

Georgina xx