Its that time of year again! The planning of our 2023 Annual Volunteer Conference is well and truly underway.

One Step at A Time the transformative power of mentoring acknowledges that mentoring is not about quick wins and big gains, but a measured and deliberate journey that, over time can bring better outcomes and brighter futures for those involved. Our keynote speakers have both been on a journey of change and today have brighter futures. We have an exciting day planned, including keynote addresses from Dr Rebekah Brennan and Dr. Brian Pennie

Dr. Rebekah Brennan is a Research Lead with the Cork Drug and Alcohol Task Force and the SOAR Project for access to higher education for underrepresented groups at University College Cork. She lectures on the Cork Prison Addiction Studies course amongst other degree programmes. In addition to sharing her own personal journey, Rebekah will draw upon her professional experience with young people and adults at risk, trauma and the science of safety, to help mentors connect with the young people or parents they meet at the heart of the mentoring relationship.

Dr. Brian Pennie experienced 15 years of chronic heroin addiction, but instead of perceiving his addiction as a failure, he used it to embrace a second chance at life. Brian returned to education, achieved a PhD in neuroscience, became a lecturer, author, podcaster, and founder and CEO of Change is Possible. In his presentation, Brian will combine his powerful personal story with his expertise as a neuroscientist to show how values provide a pathway to our true authentic selves, our True North.

The conference offers an opportunity for mentors and staff to network with peers and colleagues from across the Le Chéile family. To facilitate this, time is built into the programme before and during the day to informally meet people and find out a little about their Le Chéile story.

If you are a volunteer with Le Cheile, keep your eyes on your inbox and Whatsapp for the registration link!