This is a brand new monthly blog series where we spotlight one of our brilliant Health Mentors, celebrate their achievements, and give you the chance to get to know more about what they do.
The Path to Evolve
Ben McDermott is a Health Mentor based in the East Midlands. Reflecting on his own experiences as a student, Ben recognised the profound impact a supportive mentor could have had during his school years. Having navigated challenges without such guidance, he felt compelled to fill that gap for others. This motivation to offer the support he wished he had received himself drove Ben to pursue the role of a Health Mentor.
Ben has been a Health Mentor for just 12 months but has already made a huge impact in the role.
Highlights of being a Health Mentor
What Ben enjoys most about the Health Mentor role is being part of a transformative journey with the mentees. Ben recalls one memorable instance that involves a mentee who struggled with frequent panic attacks. Through consistent support and guidance, Ben witnessed a remarkable change as the number of panic attacks gradually reduced over the course of a few months. This journey, though demanding, is deeply fulfilling for Ben, who emphasises that while change may not happen every day, the moments of progress are incredibly rewarding.
He also enjoys the regular Health Mentor development sessions in Birmingham. Ben is fascinated by the insights and perspectives shared by other Health Mentors. This experience has been refreshing and enlightening, broadening his understanding of different challenges other young people face and how to support them.
Challenges of being a Health Mentor
One of the biggest challenges that Ben has discovered in the role is building rapport and trust with mentees. Reaching out for support and guidance can be difficult and isn’t seen as a ‘cool’ thing to do. However this challenge comes with the rewarding knowledge that when they do reach out when something is wrong, it’s because they trust you and value the support you offer .
Ben insists that one of the more difficult challenges of starting out in the role is learning to trust your instincts and intuition when guiding and supporting students.
Despite these challenges , Ben has cultivated a deep sense of trust with his mentees, who turn to him for support and guidance in times of need.
Achievements
Ben has achieved significant milestones in his role as a Health Mentor, each contributing to his growth and efficacy in supporting students.
In a mainstream school where one in five students has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Ben’s role as a Health Mentor is particularly important. He navigates the diverse needs and provisions required to support these students, ensuring that each individual receives the attention and assistance they need to thrive academically and personally.
Why Health Mentors are so Important
Ben knows the importance of Health Mentors in maintaining the wellbeing and success of students. In a high-pressure academic environment, students can easily veer off course or feel overwhelmed by expectations. Health Mentor’s, like Ben, provide a supportive framework that encourages students to embrace their mistakes, learn from them, and ultimately emerge stronger and more resilient.
Ben remains steadfast in his commitment to spreading awareness about mental health, hormonal changes, and self-management. By advocating for the holistic wellbeing of students, Ben is helping to create a more supportive and inclusive school culture.
“Human connection is the foundation of all learning. I can’t think of anyone better to guide the learning journey than a Health Mentor.”
Ben McDermott, Health Mentor
