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Intergenerational mentoring at Men's Sheds: A feasibility study
Author(s) -
Wilson Nathan J,
Cordier Reinie,
Ciccarelli Marina,
MacCallum Judith,
Milbourn Benjamin,
Vaz Sharmila,
Joosten Annette,
Buchanan Angus,
McAuliffe Tomomi,
Stancliffe Roger J
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12338
Subject(s) - psychology , intervention (counseling) , medical education , positive youth development , intellectual disability , dreyfus model of skill acquisition , developmental psychology , medicine , psychiatry , political science , law
Background This study reports on the feasibility of an intergenerational mentoring programme for youth with intellectual disability ( ID ) aimed at developing skills and building networks. Methods Youth with ID were paired with older male mentors who were trained to support the mentees participate in activities and social interactions during weekly sessions. We interviewed the mentees and mentors, and assessed them on a range of outcomes using standardized measures. Results Interviews highlighted that the programme presented a great “opportunity” for the mentees and mentors. The participants described facilitators and challenges to the acquisition of practical skills by mentees and the development of relationships between mentors and mentees, including communication, transportation and mentor training. The youth with ID had difficulty completing the self‐report measures. Conclusions Mentoring programmes are viable to support youth with ID during the transition to adulthood; however, refinement is required in the rollout out of a pilot intervention.