Abstract
Research suggests that mentoring may facilitate offender rehabilitation. Less is known about the impact on mentors, especially those who are ex-offenders. This study uses in-depth interviews with eight ex-offender mentors to explore the processes through which such schemes can be effective. Four key categories emerged: self-satisfaction; mutual benefit; mechanisms underlying success; and negative aspects of mentoring. Mentoring was experienced as a rewarding and mutually beneficial career which may reduce the social stigma of being an ex-offender. Challenges for mentors included dealing with failure or frustration and managing risk. Findings suggest that participation in mentoring schemes should be voluntary rather than compulsory and future schemes should consider employing ex-offenders as mentors and role models, to benefit from their lived experience, despite the barriers and challenges involved.
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