Verity Mace is a relatively new mentor, having joined Presbyterian Support towards the end of 2021, and her relationship with Emma* (10) is sparkling.
Verity recently returned to New Zealand, having lived overseas for 16 years in Dubai and Sri Lanka. Now married with children, chickens and a vege garden, Verity is studying towards a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies. It was the perfect time to become a mentor and for Emma, who lives with her grandmother, having someone in her life who can spend quality, one-on-one time with her, is paying dividends.
We asked Verity what it’s like to be a mentor.
Why did you decide to become a mentor?
I wanted to do something with young people and understand how they function in the world. I have worked for Shout UK, a mental health organisation that works with youth as I feel for young people as they deal with issues. I want to help them and I enjoy being around young people.
What does mentoring involve?
We meet up each week, usually for between 1½ and three hours, depending on what we do and what the weather is like. The first time we met we took a hula hoop and skateboard to a local school (during the school holidays) and we’ve created a playlist together so that’s what Emma will play in the car when we’re driving somewhere together. We’ve been body boarding at New Brighton beach and we’ve been to the library and an op shop.
