Exploring the Power of Mentoring: Support for Helpers Battling Isolation and Loneliness

The Role of Mentoring in Supporting Helpers Facing Loneliness

On March 6, 2024, the certified non-profit organization, Service Grant, held an online event titled "Exploring the Power of Mentoring: Support for Helpers Battling Isolation and Loneliness". With extensive experience in coordinating pro bono activities, Service Grant serves as a leading force in Japan's non-profit sector. The gathering was part of the results presentation for the 2024 NPO Mentoring Program, showcasing the contributions of 36 women raising children who served as mentors to 18 non-profit organizations.

Throughout the event, attendees heard from both the non-profits that received assistance and the mentors who participated. Special guest speaker Makiko Imai, the representative director of the Japan NVC Research Institute, presented her insights on the significance and value of the NPO Mentoring Program.

Key Highlights of the Event

Experience Sharing

During the event, representatives from both mentors and non-profits shared valuable experiences. Satsuki Shigemura, representing the non-profit 'Fureai Koryu Salon Minamishojaku Marutto.', talked about the challenges of balancing household responsibilities and organization activities. She emphasized the support she received from mentors, who provided empathy and precise advice. Her story about fundraising for the event greatly inspired others, demonstrating tangible results from mentoring.

Mentor Chika also shared her learning experience, expressing how she was encouraged by Satsuki's passion and found joy in utilizing her own experiences to make a difference. The results highlighted the mutual benefits of the mentoring relationships, which foster growth for both mentees and mentors.

Special Guest Insights

Makiko Imai’s talk revolved around the NVC (Nonviolent Communication) approach and its importance in the social sector. She pointed out that individuals within this field often experience conflicts due to their strong desires to help. Imai expressed the need for nurturing relationships that promote mutual support and emphasized that the mentoring program plays a vital role in alleviating the burdens faced by NPO staff, establishing systems of care, and combating loneliness in society.

Imai outlined three key benefits of mentoring: where it helps NPO employees, the organizations they work for, and society as a whole. She argued that flexible connections—akin to creating 'edges' within a community—are crucial for addressing social challenges.

About the NPO Mentoring Program

The pandemic has exacerbated the issues of loneliness and isolation, leading to the establishment of the Loneliness and Isolation Countermeasures Promotion Law in April 2024. NPOs, positioned uniquely to respond swiftly and support community maintenance, are experiencing growing responsibilities.

However, many struggle with human resource challenges, often feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. Since its inception in 2005, Service Grant has delivered over 1,900 pro bono supports, primarily focusing on assisting small NPOs that lack opportunities for consultation. The loneliness faced by staff in these organizations has been a recurring theme, stressing the importance of enhancing mediations for better quality support.

Program Overview

Initiated in 2022, the NPO Mentoring Program connects staff and representatives from various NPOs with pro bono workers who serve as mentors. These mentors engage in bi-monthly sessions over three months, helping to organize work-related concerns and encouraging personal growth. The ultimate aim is to motivate staff, leading to positive engagement with beneficiaries and sustained organizational activities.

For the 2024 fiscal year, the program will be supported by the Cabinet Office through measures designed to combat loneliness and establish community networks.

This mentoring initiative not only addresses the feelings of isolation experienced by helpers but also fortifies the operational foundations of NPOs by leveraging the skills of women raising children who seek to contribute to society. By drawing upon the strengths gained from both their professional experiences and parenting, these mentors serve to enrich the mentoring program while also combating their own feelings of loneliness.

About Service Grant

Service Grant is at the forefront of pro bono initiatives in Japan, having started in 2005. With a commitment to harnessing collective strengths, they aim to tackle social issues collaboratively. As of July 2024, they have registered nearly 9,000 participants and executed approximately 1,900 projects, striving to create a society where everyone can take action and cooperate to overcome differences.

Contact Information

For media inquiries regarding this release, please reach out to:

Service Grant (NPO Mentoring Program contact: Kurihara and Tsuda)
TEL: 03-6419-4021
E-mail: mamabono@servicegrant.or.jp