In the session I supported, I witnessed two KS5 pupils attending mock job interviews. The two gentlemen conducting the mock interviews were very understanding of our pupils and remained professional throughout the process. This level of support and this opportunity for our pupils is so valuable and important. It helps them with the next steps into adulthood and supports them to prepare for life after Meadow. 

A really wonderful programme run by wonderful people who will always get successful outcomes changing the lives of young people for the better. The programme allowed the students to speak to another adult who isn’t a teacher. Hearing another perspective. Karen has an incredible group of volunteers willing to go the ‘extra mile’ for young people who can be very challenging at times. All very dedicated and good hearted people (Hertswood Academy)

A really great programme, it was my first-time volunteering so I must admit I was very nervous to begin with. It has taught me so much – teenagers are teachers too! Thank you for the opportunity. Both Karen and Lisa were super- prepared. I felt it was very very professional, from the first interview through all the training sessions where they had everything collated, really nicely presented. I think that is really important when you’re trying to tell mentees to be professional from the very outset. From the very beginning when I first met Karen, I just found her so energising, and she really believes in what she does, and I find anybody like that is just really inspiring. If you have an idea and you believe in it that much, you will make it work no matter what it is. From the start of working with BEE, you can see just how seriously they take it, how inspired they are by it, what they can achieve. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any of the BEE staff in a bad mood or not being hyper and positive and ready to do something which I think is quite infectious. Whenever I’ve had a meeting with them, or we have done training together I kind of leave there just feeling that bit more ready.

They picked such inspiring people – I remember meeting all the mentors for the first time and thinking ‘wow, I’m surrounded by such clever, able and willing people’

BEE get good people around them, people who want to give something back. Generally, really great people. I think both Lisa and Karen have a very sunny disposition, but they are serious about what they do, and they do it very well. I think they add value to the young people they come into contact with.

Wow! It has been an incredible experience for me and something I will always remember. What a fabulous student to work with. Thank you for allowing me the chance to be part of it.

The purpose is undeniable, but the support on this scheme is above and beyond the support I’ve received on any other voluntary schemes. Really professional and a clear end to end process.

Well done! It’s been a unique experience for me personally. BEE and the teaching staff made me feel invaluable and provided no end of support – not easy when I never answer my phone! When we work in the same organisation day to day, I don’t think we get the value of going out of our comfort zone or working with new people, particularly young people. It’s stretched me more than any internal training I feel.

This programme works really well. Keep it going BEE I am sure it will continue to help many young people through difficult periods in their school life.

Thank you so much for remembering me and allowing me to be a part of such great projects. We appreciate you Lisa and Karen, for what you both do for our children and our community. Thank you once again for the opportunity today. Great school, great kids, great work team BEE!

Thanks again for having us, I found the day so fun and really rewarding seeing the kids enjoy themselves and developing throughout the day! Thanks so much for organising such a great event.

Thank you so much for today and for being so welcoming. We had such a wonderful time and hope we did a good job for you! Please let us know of any events coming up

I really enjoy the interactions with these schools and with BEE. I think it really makes a difference to the lives of young people.

It’s a fantastic programme and I am always grateful for the opportunity to be a part of these events.

I had such a good time this morning. I was nervous, as I always am doing literally anything, but more so because they're kids. But I enjoyed talking to them, learned a lot, and I hope was able to offer something for all three of them! I've also learned about something I completely took for granted; how difficult and intimidating the prospect of an interview can be for someone who has special needs. They're intimidating anyway, but the additional challenges that these young people face (plus those adults who have similar issues) can make them very daunting prospects indeed. I hope that I've had my eyes open to make my interviews friendlier, a little more relaxed, and open to those who have some of these difficulties.

A huge thank you for giving me the opportunity to be involved. I enjoyed it more than I can say! It was so rewarding to help and see progress as a direct result of mentoring. I look forward to being considered again in the future.