If you run a charity or social enterprise, it’s often a challenge to do anything other than become immersed in keeping the show on the road, says Rowen Smith, manager of Full Circle which runs projects in Oxfordshire schools aimed at bringing generations together.

“Too many hours can be spent obsessing about raising funds and surviving. This can get in the way of doing what you really believe in and what you’re really passionate about.”

Rowen is passionate about bringing together younger and older generations.

He wanted to step back from the day-to-day running of his organisation so that he could work out how to expand and have even more of an impact with limited resources against a climate of cutbacks.

To help achieve this, Rowen sought the help of Charity Mentors which launched in Oxfordshire at the beginning of May. Its aim is to support charities and social enterprises so that they can improve the all-round performance of services.

Charity Mentors has enlisted the help of experienced mentors to work alongside organisations needing help with a strategic issue.

The issue could range from a potential crisis in terms of funding, premises, or personnel, or it could be an opportunity to explore directions in terms of improving effectiveness or expansion.

All the mentors who work with Charity Mentors have strategic management capability at a senior level and most of them have significant knowledge of working in the voluntary sector. They are very experienced but very approachable, appreciating that any charity leader working with them needs support and encouragement. The mentoring is free, over a limited time period usually about three months.

Charity Mentors has been involved with 16 different organisations since it commenced work. These have ranged in size from relatively small groups, to much larger social enterprises with multi-million pound turnovers.

“I have been working closely with one of the charity mentors over the last few months,” said Rowen. “The result has been a very clear, practical and workable plan, which allows Full Circle to realise its aims. For me, it has been a win-win situation — I’ve been able to lead on the issues and the solutions, and it’s free!”

Visit www.fullcircleoxon.org.uk for more information on Full Circle. If you would like to work with a Charity Mentor, contact roz@charitymentors.co.uk, or visit www.charitymentors.me.uk