Project: Grandmentors Milton Keynes
Charlie is a 21-year-old care leaver who has achieved a First in Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Mansfield College, Oxford University. She has always been determined, focused, and is fiercely intelligent. Charlie is neurodiverse and often finds it challenging to form connections with people, resulting in feelings of loneliness. She tends to perceive situations in black and white and worry excessively about them, a common trait in people with autism. Charlie also struggles with daily interactions and tries to conceal her autism at times.
Her Grandmentor reassures her that life is not so black and white and that worrying about things that might not happen can make things seem worse. Together, they have worked on developing a mindset that is better equipped to navigate life’s ups and downs.
Charlie recently completed a highly successful internship with Rolls Royce, and her exit interview was extremely positive. However, the company has observed that she tends to be overly self-critical. This is true, Charlie’s mentor supports her in recognising and appreciating her intelligence and wonderful personality.
Charlie is an excellent advocate for volunteer mentors and for young people transitioning out of the care system
Charlie and her mentor meet up every week, and often exchange text messages in between. Charlie prefers not to speak on the phone. They usually meet outside the centre of Oxford, take walks in the countryside, and have lunch. Both enjoy their regular meetings and plan events like the Christmas Market at Waddesdon Manor last December. They say it’s exciting to have something to look forward to.
Charlie’s mentor says, “We discuss current affairs and the implications of global events. Being Charlie’s mentor is an absolute privilege. Charlie is an extraordinary person with immense resilience despite facing numerous challenges. Supporting her has been an incredible educational journey for me. Her exceptional communication skills have allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the care system and how autism impacts her daily life. I am so grateful to Charlie for providing me with such valuable insights. She sometimes tells me, ‘I don’t know what I’d do without you.’ In a way, I feel the same. It is a privilege to support her in navigating this stage of her life. Essentially our journey is all about empowerment, support and mutual connection.”
Charlie is an excellent advocate for volunteer mentors and for young people transitioning out of the care system. Her insights are profound, and she brilliantly describes the impact of intergenerational mentorship in the lives of young care leavers. Charlie has agreed to meet up with two other care leavers who work for the council to talk about improving experiences for care leavers in the future.
Feeling inspired?
Find out more about the Grandmentors project. Whether you want to volunteer, partner with us, or make a referral, there are ways you can get involved.
