Developing a Mentoring Service - Elanora Ferry and Sue Ashby

Please read in full Lapidus Mentoring Service (Word document)

For many years Lapidus members have not had the access to employment in statutory organisations, such as the NHS, enjoyed by art, drama, music and dance therapists. This is largely because our membership has consisted first and foremost of writers rather than therapists. Writers are unlikely to have experienced the formal and rigorous training and supervision required of therapists, or belong to professional associations such as the British Association of Drama Therapists or the British Society for Music Therapists.

The opportunities for writers to work in the NHS and with health charities are growing. Our membership has changed as more qualified counsellors and psychotherapists join Lapidus.

Lapidus has come to the end of a three year period of guaranteed funding from Arts Council England during which time it appointed an interim director to explore funding opportunities, including partnerships, beyond the arts sector. Two main activities for 2007 - 8 agreed with Arts Council England and implemented by the Board are [1] the creation of an onlline database of professional members and [2] the development of an accreditation system for Lapidus members. These are in line with both the recommendations of the ACE Review and the current development of Lapidus partnerships with organisations such as the Samaritans and Poet in the City.

Lapidus already has a Code of Ethics which every member signs up to, as well as Child Protection, Data Protection, Equal Opportunities & Diversity policies. Developing an effective accreditation system is the next step for the Board to agree and an important element of this will be the provision of a professional Mentoring & Supervision system. This will ensure that members employed in professional settings are fully supported in work that is both rewarding and challenging.

Papers written by Lapidus members and others on current Lapidus-related issues.