Well Forged MEntoring
To Forge
"To move forward, gradually, steadily or by effort. To form or make in any way. To progress with increased speed. To progress because of vigorous effort or special circumstances, especially from a condition of difficulty. The special fireplace, hearth, and furnace in which metal is heated before shaping. To form by heating and hammering. To invent."
-Macquarie English Dictionary
the unique powers of Mentorship
Why Therapeutic Mentorship
We are all looking for something to grasp that can make a real difference to the young people we work with. We want real meaningful change in situations that seem to be escalating out of control. Therapeutic Mentorship is one of those tools. Bruce Perry M.D, PhD cites the incredible power of long term mentorship as a catalyst for healing in the lives of young people who have experienced trauma. In fact, he mentions it as tool for significant positive outcomes.
With an emphasis on quality and continuity over time.
One of the key benefits of therapeutic mentorship is its role in facilitating secure attachment relationships. Secure attachment is crucial for healthy emotional and psychological development, especially for children who have experienced adversity or instability in their lives. By offering a safe and supportive relationship, therapeutic mentors can help children develop a sense of security and trust, laying the foundation for healthy relationships in the future.
Well Forged Program
In our Well Forged program, we do long-term, mentoring for young people aged 5-25 years. Every young person is different, and every mentorship relationship is different.
They all have one thing in common, a Young Person who needs someone to come alongside them and journey with them as they get from where they are to where they want to be.
We offer a range of holistic experiences from social and life skills, to trade skills like carpentry and construction, hospitality, floristry, art, science, music, horticulture and animal training.
Well Forged is a One-on-one, activity and interest based mentorship at weekly intervals, during school term for a minimum of one year. Mentors practice trauma informed social pedagogy and unconditional positive regard.
Every Mentee is different, one might find growth and healing through activities like rock climbing or rugby coaching while another might find it though scientific enquiry or creative arts or music.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN OUR WELL FORGED PROGRAM
What is Therapeutic Mentorship
SOCIAL PADAGOGY
UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD
TRAUMA INFORMED CARE SOCIAL PEDAGOGY
Social pedagogy is a holistic approach that recognises the interplay between an individual's environment and their agency in shaping their own path. Advocates of social pedagogy, as highlighted by Slovenko and Thomas (2016), believe in the coexistence of environmental influence and individual empowerment. This perspective acknowledges that while external factors can significantly impact a person's development, individuals still possess the capacity to make choices and exert control over their lives.
The goals of social pedagogy, are twofold. Firstly, it aims to foster the growth of individuals who are capable, independent, and self-determined. This involves empowering individuals to recognise and utilise their strengths, develop essential life skills, and make informed decisions autonomously. Secondly, social pedagogy seeks to cultivate community-minded citizens. This aspect underscores the importance of social cohesion, empathy, and active participation in the broader social fabric. By nurturing a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the community, social pedagogy endeavours to create a supportive and inclusive societal framework.
At its core, social pedagogy is grounded in humanistic principles. Practitioners of social pedagogy are guided by a deep-seated commitment to supporting disadvantaged members of society. They strive to enable individuals to realise their inherent potential, overcome barriers, and lead fulfilling lives. This approach emphasises empathy, respect for individual dignity, and the belief in the inherent worth and agency of every person.
UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD
Unconditional positive regard is a concept introduced by Carl Rogers, a prominent figure in humanistic psychology. It refers to an attitude or stance of acceptance and nonjudgmental support that a person, typically a therapist or caregiver, demonstrates towards another individual. In essence, it means valuing and accepting someone regardless of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviours, without imposing conditions or expectations. It is a fundamental aspect of humanistic psychology and interpersonal relationships, emphasising acceptance, empathy, and genuine care for others. It fosters an atmosphere of trust, respect, and authenticity, which can promote emotional well-being and personal growth.
TRAUMA INFORMED CARE
Trauma-informed care is practiced by everyone at BRIGHT HEARTS. It is an approach to providing services that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and aims to create environments that promote safety, trust, and healing. It is based on an understanding of the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals, families, and communities, as well as the potential for traumatisation within service settings. Key principles of trauma-informed care include:
- Safety: Prioritising physical and emotional safety for all individuals involved, including creating safe and welcoming environments, establishing clear boundaries, and ensuring confidentiality.
- Trustworthiness and transparency: Building trust through clear communication, honesty, and consistency in interactions with clients or patients.
- Peer support and collaboration: Recognising the importance of peer support and collaboration among staff and clients, as well as fostering a sense of community and belonging.
- Empowerment and choice: Respecting individuals' autonomy and agency, and involving them in decision-making processes related to their care and treatment.
- Cultural humility and responsiveness: Acknowledging and addressing cultural differences and historical trauma, and adapting services to be responsive to the needs and preferences of diverse populations.
- Strengths-based and resilience-focused: Recognizing and building upon individuals' strengths, resources, and resilience, rather than focusing solely on deficits or pathology.
- Trauma awareness and responsiveness: Providing education and training to staff about the impact of trauma, as well as integrating trauma-informed approaches into policies, procedures, and practices.
