'I was worried I would end up lumbered with some uptight do-gooder but actually we're good friends' - Ireland's Big Brother Big Sister mentors

Paul Whelan reflects on his difficult childhood, saying, 'My own childhood wasn't great and I've always had in the back of my mind... to give the kind of support I didn't get and would have really benefitted from.' His decision to become a mentor arose from this reflection, highlighting a desire to positively impact the lives of vulnerable youth who face similar challenges.

Whelan's experience emphasizes the importance of mentorship: 'I was completely unaware there was a programme like that in Ireland until I heard an ad on the radio one day and I signed up.' This shows the potential impact of public awareness in connecting mentors with those in need.

Read at Independent