Whether it’s exam stress, making friends, learning to get around independently, or just feeling left out, our mentees are navigating a lot — and they don’t want to do it alone. As a mentor, you don’t need any special training to start. You already have the one qualification that matters: you’ve been there.

What does a LOOK mentor actually do?

Peer mentoring is a six to twelve month partnership between a mentor (that’s you, aged 18–35) and a mentee (aged 11–29) who is visually impaired, just like you. You’ll message each other weekly through our secure mentoring platform, and join scheduled group video calls with other mentors and mentees along the way.

You won’t be figuring it out alone, either. You’ll have access to plenty of resources to guide your conversations, regular check-ins with our Mentor Project Officers, and supervision sessions built in to support you throughout.

“Being a mentor is an absolute privilege. I get to be the person for my mentees that my mentor once was for me. It’s taught me so much about communication and empathy, and I love being their biggest cheerleader.”

— LOOK mentor

Who makes a great mentor?

There’s no single type of person who makes a good LOOK mentor — our current mentors are into music, sport, science, gaming, you name it. What they have in common is this:

• Good listening skills and empathy
• An understanding of the challenges other VI people face
• A confident, written communicator
• Committed to the project and genuinely willing to learn
• Open to reflecting on your own experience, and growing through it

No experience? That’s exactly who we want.

Nobody starts out knowing how to be a mentor — that’s what training is for. Every new mentor completes a full training programme before being matched with a mentee, and support doesn’t stop once you’re up and running: you’ll have further training, supervision and development opportunities on offer throughout your time with LOOK.

“Thank you for the most incredible weekend, truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. The energy, the way we lifted each other up… we’ve created something really special.”r

— LOOK mentor

It’s also a brilliant chance to make new connections within the VI community alongside your fellow volunteer mentors — many friendships (and a fair few laughs) start that weekend.

Give back, and get plenty back too

Becoming a mentor is, first and foremost a way to give back to the visually impaired community, using your own experience to guide someone through challenges you understand better than most. But mentors consistently tell us it works both ways. Alongside your mentee, you’ll find a community of other VI volunteers who just get it, no explaining required. You’ll grow skills in communication, empathy and supporting others that last well beyond your time as a mentor. And it’s a genuinely great addition to your CV — experience that employers value.

“I became a mentor because I was a mentee first — my mentor was such a great role model, and I wanted to be that for someone else. Along the way, I’ve gained communication skills, self-advocacy, problem-solving, and some brilliant friendships. You gain just as much as you give, and get to help another young person grow in confidence too.”

— LOOK mentor

How to apply

To apply, you’ll need to be aged 18–35 and visually impaired. We assess suitability through your written application and your participation in training, and we’ll arrange a DBS certificate for you as part of the process (renewed every three years while you’re with us). If you’re successful, we’ll match you with a mentee based on your application, your training, and your personal profile.

1. Apply onlineFill in the application form — it only takes a few minutes – Deadline for applications is 9th November 2026.
2. Come to trainingJoin the residential weekend, 12–14 March 2027, and meet the wider mentor community.
3. Get matchedWe’ll pair you with a mentee based on the information you provided in your application form, during training, and in your personal profile.
4. Start mentoringWeekly messages, group calls, and ongoing support from us whenever you need it.

Need a hand with your application, or have a question before you apply? Email us at ruth@look-uk.org — we’re happy to help.

From our last training weekend