Mentoring

A couple of weeks ago there was a news item about diabetic mentoring, where an experienced Type 2 diabetic was mentoring a newly-diagnosed T2 person (or was it someone who was liable to become a T2?).

A couple of months ago the DSN at my GP surgery asked me if I would be willing to mentor a Type 1 diabetic who was having trouble with his control. Of course I agreed. The first session went well, I thought; the DSN and a GP were also there to monitor it. My first recommendation (predictably) was that he should get himself on a DAFNE course. This is proving to be a bit of a problem (an effect of the cut-backs already?) I made some more recommendations - relevant to his current control (or lack of it) and a follow-up meeting was arranged. Due to a mix up with appointments, he didn't show up and has not requested another session. Obviously, to be mentored, the 'mentoree' has to be a willing partner. Perhaps the first session didn't go as well as I thought it had.

Has anybody else had experience of mentoring?

I would love to have a go at this, although I don't think I would be that confident in my teaching skills.

I think my first approach would be to let the mentoree ask questions, to allow us both to get to know one another then talk about what value the sessions could bring, nice and slow you know.......

That is a shame that there is no DAFNE courses available to him or her, remember you can always offer the Bournemouth carb counting package HERE............

Is this something that will be getting rolled out or is it in testing stage....

I think it was the idea of the DSN at my GP surgery and was tried experimentally. I don't know whether they are going to pursue it.

I dont think many would be up to the challenge, so its how to select people........

Novorapidboi, I think you ARE a fab mentor! You have been really helpfull and you seem very open and always have sound advise.

Bravo!

Real shame there isn't enough funding or trained people to offer more people the DAFNE courses. I really do feel privileged to have had a place!

Alan, dont take it personally. You never know what might be going on with the mentoree. Hope it hasn't put you off!

Your words are kind, thanks........

I dont think I would walk away from the opportunity, would be scary though........

You did your best, as you say the other person has to be willing. I'd love to be a mentor but, erm, I'm probably too bossy