Sharing a Laugh? : A Qualitative Study of Mentoring Interventions with Young People

This report reviews and analyses a range of planned mentoring schemes for vulnerable young people.

It explores the value of mentoring at a crucial time, when the use of such interventions appears to be at a crossroads, and highlights the need for a range of mentoring styles and approaches are required.

It also calls for training to enable professionals, volunteers and young people to develop mentoring expertise Sharing a laugh? is the first study to examine the differences between mentoring as an activity carried out by professionals and as an activity carried out by volunteers.

The research also investigates how young people's own diverse backgrounds and experiences interact with the mentoring process.

The study will be of particular interest to academic, policy and planning groups for young people, and to youth workers and researchers.