I want to give something back because I have been extraordinarily lucky in life in so many ways that I feel deeply for those less fortunate.

Cherokee, male, 80

I believe if anything is worth fighting for we should endeavour to help, especially the under privileged and those who are unable to fight for themselves. We either sit back and say nothing, or we stand up and be counted, and that is what I try to do with my time left. Life is about giving and I now have the time and the experience I have had over the last years to be able to help someone as I was often helped along the way.

I think this kind of mentoring is good because people do not aslways wish to go to a consulting room, or not even have the time to go, this way they can get help instantly without leaving home.

Lizabeth, female, 74

Saw horsesmouth article in a newspaper and thought what a brilliant resource. Have had much pain in my life but also much joy and happiness. If talking to me can help anyone else then that would be fantastic

Jooball, female, 55

Pearl of wisdom
Learn to turn away from those who put you down and learn to turn to those
that nourish and nurture you.

Think of this at times of any nastiness from people and also at times when there is niceness from people and learn from it.

Jooball, female, 55

I love my life !! Even though i have been diagnosed with early onset of AD and have heart failure. Life is such a wonderful gift and even when sometimes you think all is lost, life will always find a way.
Alzheimers is NOT the end, its just another chapter of you life that you have to deal with the best you can. I will never give up and i hope my enthusiasm and love of life will shine through and help you along the way.

Norrms, male, 52

Pearl of wisdom

If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got.

Norrms, male, 52

I think this is a wonderful website, personally it encourages me to actively help others in a way that is direct and personal. Sharing information and experience with people is a very positive thing to do, fundemental to all aspects of life and relationships.

Jwoolweaver, female, 53

It has been 10 years now since I lost my wife to cancer. The road from there has been challenging to say the least. I've managed to raise 2 sons, change career a few times and begin to enjoy life again.

edinboy, male, 57

I have started up, operated and sold my own businesses. I have helped business people who are just getting started and assisted those who have been in business for years and want an objective evaluation of their operation.

I know what it is like to walk in the shoes of an owner. I have secured loans from banks and the government, signed personal guarantees and suffered through many a sleepless night working through cash flow projections in my head. I have been where you are right now.
plan2profit, Male, 57

Don’t forget that no matter how downcast you become you can get off the ground again but you must persist and try again. Do not let the do gooding advice of others put you off especially those who have never tried or been in business before. Believe in yourself and get on with it.
Walk first then walk more briskly but don’t let it run away with you again. Keep on and persist and you will get there surprisingly quickly. Go back to the business you knew if you can do that as that is useful experience to learn from previous mistakes.
Negatives always turn into or reveal a positive. The sharing of information can be rewarding. You can see the problems of others better than you can see your own thus the mutuality of helping others helps everyone including yourself.

williamkid, male, 56

…my motivation is to help others, especially the 'next generation, to be clear about what motivates them and to match that motivation with an appropriate career and lifestyle.

splodge, male, 55

I did my degree at the age of 40. I had to learn how to learn, as I had left school at 16 with just one 'O' level! But I graduated with a 2.1! I have had a lot of life experiences though and I hope that I can help others going through similar situations to my own. This kind of mentoring is great for someone like me who uses the internet a lot for information and contacts.

janeyB, female, 50

I obtained my Bsc (Hons) in Sociology from the Open University at the ripe old age of 54. I understand the issues of motivation, lack of confidence and lonliness that distant leaners experience. I was seldom able to connect with fellow students on a face to face basis and my own shyness prevented me asking for help at times when I maybe should have. I experienced and conquered extreme anxiety about taking exams and proved to myself that I can complete something.
Without wishing to sound pompous I have always believed that everyone can help others along the path of life. I am very much a homebody through circumstance but I can use my computer to communicate with others and be a listening ear, sounding board or whatever. For a long time I have wanted to write a book called 'I get that too' In other words I am a strong beliver that if you share an experience worry or fear then you are no longer coping alone and the knowledge that other's may have dealt with the same thing is a reassurance. In the past I have needed to sort of support offered by those on Horsesmouth, now I feel I can offer it. zinzin, female, 57

I have moved from a tremendously busy and high powered career to retirement. At first the time was enjoyable but then I wanted to do more. I now have a "portfolio" career with a mixture of paid and unpaid work…I now have the time - and I think wide experience of work - and would like to assist others who are either thinking of entering or working their way up in a career.

primeret, female, 53

I would like to give something back because too many people in this world just pass on by, without stopping, even when someone is obviously in difficulty. I believe this form of mentoring may work well for those who do not wish to actually talk, who are more comfortable with being anonymous, and who do not have either the courage or the opportunity to travel to seek help.

jill50, female, 52

I think it is extremely useful to be able to help others who may be struggling with issues that you've experienced. No everybody can afford to pay for counselling and therapy and knowing somebody else has struggled with similar problems and come out the other side can be therapeutic in itself, especially if you are able to offer the benefit of your experience to others.

thecatsmother, female, 58

Horses Mouth offers a form of mentoring which can be fitted around my health challenges. I think that as well as sharing my own experiences I can learn from the experiences of others and from their strategies and ability to cope - or for struggling in their coping. The computer is a very powerful tool these days and a few words and/or a few minutes can be thought-provoking and life changing for both parties.

lupylizzy, female, 51

There is a huge demographic shift taking place for which employers, individuals and government are ill-prepared. All kinds of financial, health and social issues are emerging and I think that I can help in finding solutions.

inmyprime, male, 62

I am unable to leave my husband (though I get day care) so spend a lot of time on my computer. To mentor sounded like a really good use of my time and the site seems an excellent way to spread and gain knowledge because each stage of dementia is a learning curve for all us carers and every crumb of advice helps.

janpiggie, female, 63

The main reason I retired from work is I have had to have 3 brain ops so I know how frightening operations and stays in hospital can be so hopefully will be able calm the fears of others.
A 64 yrs old I'm what is called past it nobody will employ me but I have many years of experience that could be passed on. If this mentoring service helps just one person then it’ss a good idea and looking at your site and reading some of the letters here proves it’s a good idea.

coolmoe, male, 64

I could say that I've been a lone runner in this world and realised that there may be people all over the world who need a kind word or two or more practical guidance when they reach the cross road in life; be it relationship, career choice or change. Srense of belonging is important and no one need to be a lone in spirit.

affinity, female, 62

I have tackled most things around the house, electrical, plumbing, joinery,decorating etc. and although I will not always be able to give a definative answer, I will seek to put people on the right road, or suggest the best way to go forward.

peterglen, male, 64

Knowing how difficult life can be, and having faced many trials and tribulations myself, I realise there are moments when we just need a moments support or encouragement, On other occasions just a listening ear that tries not to judge too quickly can be enough. I have over the years offered this on a one to one basis, because it's a nice feeling when someones says, "Thanks" you really helped me then lets be honest it could be me one day needing that moments support

redadmiral, male, 63

I am retired and feel that I would like to use my wide experience in education and the difficulty encountered living in our society as a foreigner, particularly with a mixed marriage. I feel that there are thousands of people like me in the country who can help our society through mentoring.

pratrap, male, 71

I think I have received more from volunteering within my local community than I have put into it and would like others to know just how rewarding it can be?

grimble, male, 67

I came across your website on the FiftyForward site and now I am retired I have time to devote to giving back something to people as a way of thanking all the people who have been a friend and supported me through my upsand downs. My husband is my greatest mentor and without him I would not be the person I am today. I do not consider myself an expert but I have been around quite a long time and seen a lot of life and maybe some of that experience might just be helpful to someone.

sashy, female, 62

I was surfing the net looking for a particular volunteering site when I came across horsemouth and thought it was a brilliant idea. I only wish that I had known it existed a long time ago. Already I have found that writing down my experiences openly and freely to share with strangers has been cathartic and I hope that I will be able to help others and myself by sharing my experiences. I have lived a very full life and been extremely fortunate to grow and develop amongst a happy family with lots of really good friends. I never in my wildest dreams anticipated that I would be where I am now, living alone and managing an independent and full life without my long term husband. But I know that many people are in the same position either through death or divorce. It is not an easy path to follow but does have many positives and makes you a stronger individual. Friends have helped me to cope I would like to help others if I can.

flowers, female, 62

we all live and try to abide by the rules society asks of us! it is the journey not the destination that is an open book to learn by! Between us all we have the knowledge and ability to maybe question our motivation as to our purpose in life!

undotolearn, male, 63

Pearl of wisdom

To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; Not to realize that you do not understand is a defect.
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.

undotolearn, male, 63

I know how devastating divorce can be and how it takes away all your self worth and confidence but I am living proof that you can survive it and come out a better person

pauline42, female, 67

I believe that if you have something good/useful to share then share it. Even if only one person gains anything by you sharing it, then you have made an impression on someones life that may be a lasting, important or useful one----or even all three!
rienn, female, 63

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