Welcome to the fourth edition of LINKnet's new online newsletter. The newsletter will be sent quarterly. In this bulletin you will find useful information about events and opportunities available around Edinburgh. It can also be used to share your experiences and successes of mentoring with other people involved with LINKnet. If you would like to contribute anything please contact Linda on 0131 225 6284 or email: linda@linknetmentoring.com
LINKnet Management Board Directors and the staff are very pleased that everything proposed as future work in the previous issue of LINKnet newsletter have been achieved.
LINKnet held its 6th anniversary as a tribute to Big Lottery Fund on 30 March 2007 with over 150 people in attendance. Rev. Ewen Aitken of the City of Edinburgh Council, Mr. Norman Murray of East Lothian Council, Mr. Mark Ballard former MSP and Mr. Dharmendra Kanani the Director for Scotland of the Big Lottery Fund addressed the gathering as guest speakers. Roma Patel, Dr. Bashabi Fraser, Bebe Quali, Charan Pradhan and Neo Productions entertained the crowd. At mentor/mentee presentations slot Anna Dickie, Agnes Holmes and Elvis Tangem made presentations. LINKnet's Mentoring Development Officer Linda Quigley presented the progress summary for the past 6 years. A colourful summary report and a gift were given to each participant. LINKnet wishes to extend its sincere thanks to everyone who showed support to LINKnet by participating at the event.
The proposed resource centre of LINKnet is almost ready for operation. It will be officially opened to LINKnet's mentees, mentors, volunteers, Board Directors and staff on 02 July 2007. The centre is open on all Mondays and Fridays from 10am to 4pm. The centre has five computers with broadband facility for the free use of LINKnet service users. In addition the relevant newspapers, news letters, job advertisements, leaflets and prospectuses are also available for easy perusal.
The working partnership with Heriot Watt University has now been formalised on mutual agreement. A similar formalisation process has started to formalise the partnerships with Napier University and the Scottish Parliament.
LINKnet is working towards establishing a European volunteering service for black minority ethnic young people who have fewer opportunities to get volunteering experience in a country other than their country of residence. Travel cost, food, accommodation and some other expenses are paid for the volunteers.
We are grateful to the readership for spreading information about LINKnet. Please visit LINKnet's website for more and latest information including LINKnet's history.
Ranbandara Dissanayaka
LINKnet Project Director
LINKnet held its first social evening for mentors and mentees on 7 March in Old St Paul's Church Hall. We ate, we danced, we had lots of fun!! Around 35 mentors, mentees and Board members attended an enjoyable evening of food music and dance. The proceedings started at 6:30 when guests were served drinks on arrival while listening to background international music. A hot buffet dinner of samosas, pakoras, curry, falafel, bread and various dishes from Pakistan and Middle East was enjoyed by all. Later in the evening we were entertained by Dias Quartet - a foot-stomping funky take on classic Brazilian and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Many danced the night away some were chosen to play percussion for the band. Due to the success of this, our first social night we will be holding another one in late August / Early September. We look forward to welcoming those who were there the first time as well as new mentors and mentees.
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LINKnet's "16-24 Job Ready" project has become highly popular. So far 110 mentees have enrolled with the programme. LINKnet staff are persevering to recruit suitable volunteers to support these mentees. We would like to recruit people to join our pool of volunteer mentors from a range of careers (both qualified and unqualified) who will be willing to attend a one-day training session and have:
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As a mentor you will be rewarded by having the opportunity to:
If you are keen to help a black minority ethnic graduate through the process of getting a job we are looking for you. Improving the quality of life of another person will give you so much satisfaction.
People from different ethnic communities coming together and getting to know each other is essential for a peaceful and harmonious society.
If you or any of your friends or family are interested in becoming a member please contact a member of LINKnet staff.
Jess Buck, LINKnet's Outreach Development Officer is currently involved in a cyclathon to raise funds for Waverley Care. From 19th of June she will be cycling for nearly three weeks from John O'Groats to Land's End covering around 900 miles. By the 20th June, she had already covered 135 miles and raised £1403 for Waverly Care.
This is what she had to say about her adventure:
"I am planning a bit of a cyclathon, which involves pedalling my way from John O'Groats to Lands End solo. No, I have never done anything like this before, but I am busy training and have developed a great realationship with my padded shorts (see photo) and know they won't let me down. I plan to start the cycle on June 20th and finish it approximately 2 weeks later. Please dig deep and sponsor me online. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Waverley Care will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. So please sponsor me now! Many thanks for your support."
You can find Jess's Webpage (through which you can make donations) here.
Please visit her page and make a donation if you can!
June dates
FREE Information Sessions available from Careers Scotland
These brief sessions will give you the basic skills to begin preparing your CV (CV Workshop) or prepare for interviews (Interview Skills Workshop)
| CV Workshops: | Interview Skills Workshops: |
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Will give you the skills to:
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This session will cover:
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| Thursday 28 June - 10.30am-12.00 noon | Wednesday 27 June - 4.30pm-6.00pm |
* BOOKING ESSENTIAL *
Please speak to a member of Careers Scotland staff to book, or email apexhouse@careers-scotland.org.ukwith full details: Name, address, and postcode, telephone number, your preferred course and time
Venue details:
Careers Scotland Centre
79 Shandwick Place
Edinburgh EH2 4SD
The Open University in Scotland
10 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh
EH3 7QJ
Tel: 0131 226 3851
For further information on these events call 0131 226 3851 or visit www.open.ac.uk/events
| Town | Venue (including address) | Time & Date |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | The Academy Shopping Centre Aberdeen AB10 1LB |
Saturday 2nd June 10.00-16.30 |
| Perth | Dobbies Garden Centre Creiff Road Perth PH1 3JJ |
Sunday 20th May 09.00-18.00 |
| Dumfries | To be confirmed | |
| Dundee | Overgate Shopping Centre Dundee DD1 1UH |
Saturday 19th May 09.00-18.00 |
| Dobbies Garden Centre Eathiebeaton Park Monifeith Dundee DD5 4HB |
Monday 28th May 09.00-18.00 | |
| Edinburgh | Edinburgh Central Library George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EG |
Thursday 10th May 16.30-19.30
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| The Gyle Shopping Centre Gyle Avenue South Gyle Broadway, Edinburgh EH12 9JY |
Friday 15th June 10.30-19.30 | |
| Elgin | St Giles Shopping Centre 121 High Street Elgin IV30 1EA |
Saturday 26th May 10.00-16.30 |
| Glasgow | Waterstones 159-160 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow G2 3EW |
Thursday 24th May 17.00-20.00 |
| Glasgow Science Centre 50 Pacific Quay Glasgow G1 1EA |
Sunday 24th June 11.00-18.00 | |
| Inverness | Eastgate Shopping Centre Inverness IV2 3PP |
Saturday 9th June 10.00-16.00 |
| Kilmarnock | Kilmarnock Library The Dick Institute Elmbank Avenue Kilmarnock KA1 3BU |
Saturday 12th May 11.00-16.00 |
| Kirckcaldy | Mercat Shopping Centre, High Street Kirkcaldy KY1 1NJ |
Saturday 16th June 09.00-17.30 |
| Livingston | Livingston History Fair St Margarets Academy Howden South Road Livingston EH54 6AT |
Saturday 28th April 09.30-13.30 |
| Shetland | Shetland Careers Scotland Event Clickimin Leisure Centre Lochside Lerwick ZE1 OPJ |
Saturday 19th May |
| Inverurie | Inverurie Library Town Hall Main Street Inverurie AB51 3SN |
Tuesday 22nd May 11.30 - 14.30 |
| Glenrothes | Kingdom FM Training Fair Rothes Halls, Rothes Square Glenrothes KY7 5NX |
Thursday 12th April 10.00 - 16.00 |
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We run a 20 week course during school terms Starting August 2007
Free Computer Training with assisted childcare and travel expenses
For more information:
Contact Trish on 0131 554 5656
Nisus Scotland, 121 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6BZ.
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Spectrum Training Courses(Spring & Summer 2007) For further details, or to enrol on a course call: 0131 225 6662 or email spectrum@foursquare.org.uk |
| Week | Date | Session Details |
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| 1 | Thursday 2nd August | Introduction to the John Muir Award |
| 2 | Monday to Thursday 13th - 16th August (inclusive) | Four-day residential at Tweedsmuir Outdoor Centre in the Scottish Borders |
| 3 | Wednesday 22nd August | Introduction to IT, research and preparation |
| 4 | Thursday 23rd August | Preparation of John Muir presentation materials |
| 5 | Thursday 30th August | Completion of award and delivery of presentations |
Materials, travel costs, lunch vouchers and certificates of achievement will be provided
20th August 2007
This pre-employment training programme, designed by employers, is open to all short and long-term unemployed people living in the Lothians, who will be ready to work following 6 weeks sector skills training.
There are full and part time jobs and some employers require shift work. You could be supporting someone who has Learning Disabilities, People with Drug/Alcohol problems, People with Mental Health problems, or Homeless People, and the work can be in their own home or in supported accommodation. It is practical work offering help and support involving for example, personal care, social activities, looking after home, helping through difficult times.
The Training Course
The training will last 6 weeks (part time) and the kind of topics we will explore on the course include:-
Work Placements
Placements will be for 4 days and may be with one or more employers, giving a chance to try different work settings.
Support
There's practical support and advice whilst on the course and for a limited period you will receive support during your first job, to help you settle into the work.
Next Steps
If you are offered a place, full details of the course, times and venues will be sent out to you and you will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure Scotland form.
Contact Details:- Pauline King, Social Care Academy. Phone:- 07929 161716
SPACE 11 Harewood Road. EH16 4NT
Research the Employer - Gather as much information about the employer as possible. Communication will be better and you will have a more comfortable and productive exchange. The more you know, the more confident you are likely to feel.
Some information you may want to know (this will depend on the type of organisation):
Source: http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/career/CareerBriefs/interviews.html
May 2007
I heard of LINKnet for the first time in June 2006. I was given a flyer of LINKnet when I was walking in the street. As an international student living in Scotland, the first thing interested me was that it is for black minority ethnic group people like me. However, this is not the first time I got involved in a mentoring service organisation. As a student in Heriot-Watt University, I signed up for a mentoring service for undergraduate students organised by the university career service in 2005. However, they never found me a mentor or tried to get in touch with me.
Although the first time was a bad experience, it didn't stop me trying to getting involved in a mentoring service. Therefore, I emailed LINKnet the day I got the flyer. To my surprise, I got a respond very fast. I was invited to the office to meet Jess who found me a mentor not long after that.
I started my mentoring relationship with my mentor in October 2006. He is an IT project manager in Standard Life and I am a fourth year computer science student in Heriot-Watt University. Jess set us up as a pair because one of my expected mentoring outcome was to find a career in IT.
We met up for the first time in October 2006. Jess attended as well to introduce us to each other. It was in a bar in West End. The three of us had an informal chat and enjoyed our way through a cup of hot chocolate. After that, my mentor and I met up once a week. During this period, Jess occasionally attended our meeting to see how it went. My mentor also invited me to his place of work for a mock interview to practise my interview skills once. All my travelling and drinks expenses for the meeting were paid by LINKnet which was very nice.
The mentoring relationship of me and my mentor was ended last week as a result it reached sixth month. Looking back at the past six months, I've learned a lot from the mentoring relationship and all my expectations were met. I eventually found a permanent graduate job in Glasgow and live happily now.
All in all, the outcome of my mentoring experience with LINKnet is very positive. I got to know many nice people involved in the organisation. I learned a lot from these people and my mentoring experience. It changed how I used to be and now I am more confident
and happier.
The name of the mentee has been changed to protect anonymity.
I must admit to have been a little apprehensive about meeting my mentee, Chen, for the first time. Would we have anything in common? Would we hit it off? Would she like me? However, within a very few minutes of meeting Chen I knew that we had been matched well.
It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have had the chance to regularly meet and mentor such a lovely person as Chen is. I have always been fascinated by Chinese culture, and so having the opportunity to get to know a young Chinese woman has been a dream come true for me.
Every week Chen and I would meet at the Edinburgh Filmhouse bar for our mug of hot chocolate and chat. At the beginning I wasn't entirely sure what I could help Chen with, but after a few meetings it became clear that Chen's main goal was to land a job that she could take up on completion of her Computer Science degree at Heriot-Watt University. Although at our meetings we talked of many things, including Chen's studies, dissertation, part-time job at PC World, her family, her friends, films that we have enjoyed etc. we also spent a fair time talking about CV'S interviews and job applications. Chen sent off a fair number of applications, but for several months did not get an interview invitation at all. Finally, however, 4 months into our mentoring sessions, Chen was invited for a selection day at a Software company in Glasgow!
Being a highly intelligent and articulate young woman, I knew that Chen would have a very good chance of getting a job once she got to the interview stage. A couple of weeks before Chen's selection day, I arranged for Chen to come to my work and take part in a mock interview with myself and a colleague. If nothing else, this would give Chen a little more confidence about being in an interview situation and my colleague and I could give Chen some feedback to help her with the real thing. A couple of weeks later Chen went for her selection day and was then asked back for a second interview! I was absolutely delighted to receive a text message from Chen a few minutes after her interview to tell me that they had offered her the job on the spot!
The six months mentoring has now come to an end, and I must admit to being rather sad about that. However, I have found the mentoring extremely rewarding and enjoyable and I know that Chen and I hope to always remain friends.
The name of the mentee has been changed to protect anonymity.
Congratulations to the 5 LINKnet mentees who have been successfull in obtaining placements on the Scottish Executive's Diversity Scheme. These mentees will get 6 weeks valuable work experience in the Scottish Executive over the summer months. We are sure that this will be an enjoyable and enriching experience for our mentees and their new colleagues at the Scottish Executive and hope that this will help them to achieve their goals of finding permanent jobs in the future.
