The Royal Naval Association (RNA) recently marked an important milestone; 15 years of its hugely successful mentoring programme at HMS Raleigh.
The programme, developed in close consultation with Royal Naval staff, has supported thousands of new recruits during their 10 week basic training since 2009.
The occasion was marked with John Barry (Commander Training) and Lead Mentor, Terry Whitty cutting a cake specially decorated for the occasion. Shipmate Roger Grace, one of the first ever Raleigh Mentors was also a special guest on the day.
Terry Whitty, Lead RNA Mentor at HMS Raleigh said: “I would like to thank all the veteran mentors who over the past 15 years, have worked so hard with Raleigh Initial Naval Training. Because of your hard work and dedication, the mentoring programme is still running in HMS Raleigh. thank you to you all.
“It is amazing to watch the journey a new recruit goes on from day one to passing out. What an absolute honour and privilege to work
with the next generation of sailors, and all the families.. Here is to the next 15 years!”
The RNA Mentors are outside the chain of command and are a team of Royal Naval Association members, all volunteers, who have all served in the Royal Navy with experience of various different RN branches.
Mentors give their time freely and build up a strong relationship with the divisions that they are attached to, their experience brings a useful and different perspective to the New Recruits.
This all culminates when they see the recruits that they have been working with become just a few inches taller, when they march onto the parade ground for their Passing Out Parade in front of their very proud family and friends.
