Have you recently graduated from university? Do you have a passion for music, a love of science, or a keen interest in sports?

If you want to be part of a supportive community, develop your communication skills, and share your experiences to help others, then we need you as a University Mentor!

Image of two mentor standing outside talking animatedly with each other. They are both wearing dark coloured rain coats.
Image of 3 mentors standing outside talking to each other on a sunny day, they are all wearing blue LOOK logo t-shirts and one is holding their cane.
Image of two mentors sitting at a table talking and smiling, one is wearing a white t-shirt and the other is wearing a blue t-shirt with the LOOK logo on it.

What is University Mentoring we hear you ask…

In this video mentor Pricilla fills you in on what a LOOK University mentor does.

Video of mentor Pricilla wearing a black polo-neck and glasses.

University Mentoring is a six-month to twelve-month partnership that pairs mentees, who are either in their final year of sixth form or their first year of university, with a mentor who is a current student or graduate. The mentor provides guidance and advice on moving into higher education and how to make the most of university life.

As a University Mentor, you will communicate with your mentee weekly through written messages on our secure mentoring platform and participate in regular scheduled group Zoom calls. You’ll have access to plenty of resources to support your conversations, regular check-ins with our Student Mentoring Project Officer, and mentor supervision sessions.

Who can be a mentor?

Video of LOOK Mentor Sam, he is wearing a dark blue t-shirt with the LOOK logo on it and is sitting in a cafe with a brick wall behind him.

As mentor Sam highlights, as long as you are aged 18-35 and are visually impaired, you can be a LOOK mentor. Your experiences and the advice you have to share are invaluable to the young people in our mentee community.

Below are some of the qualities we look for in LOOK mentors:

Image of a female LOOK mentor smiling at the camera, she has long blonde hair and is wearing a bright blue t-shirt.
  • Listening skills
  • Empathy
  • Understanding of issues and challenges faced by others with VI
  • Willingness to support
  • Confident written communicator.
  • Commitment to the project.
  • Willingness to learn – from trainers, from others on the programme and from LOOK staff.

  • Approach to training: must be positive, willing, and engaged.
  • Willingness and ability to reflect on personal experience and engage in self-development.

Why become a mentor?

Becoming a LOOK mentor is a fantastic way to give back to the VI community by using your own lived experiences to help guide someone through their challenges. As LOOK mentor Lara highlights in this video, mentoring is not just about supporting others; it can also boost your confidence, introduce you to new people, and open up pathways to exciting opportunities. It’s a rewarding experience fostering, personal growth and creating lasting connections.

Video of mentor Lara, she is wearing a blue LOOK branded t-shirt and holding her cane, behind her is a grey brick wall.

What impact does mentoring have?

“I enjoy learning from my mentee and building a connection and a bond.” LOOK, Mentor

LOOK mentor Calum has been part of the mentoring team for two years and says he has learnt a great deal from his mentoring partnerships.

Video of mentor Calum wearing a blue LOOK branded t-shirt and a blue cap, he has a backpack on and has a green woodland backdrop.

How to apply to become a LOOK University mentor

To apply you must be aged 18-35 years and be visually impaired.

To apply, complete the application form here and submit it by 1st December 2024. If you need any support with your application, please email: ruth@look-uk.org

Suitability to become a mentor on the LOOK mentoring programme is assessed through the written application form and your participation in the training sessions. You must also have a DBS certificate, which we process and renew every three years.

If you are successful in your assessment, you will be matched with an online mentee. This match will be based on the information you provided in your application form, during training, and in your personal profile.

Apply to be a LOOK University Mentor here

Mentor Training

We offer a comprehensive training programme for all mentors. This includes a 2-day residential which will cover all aspects of the mentor programme including:

  • Using the Brightside mentoring platform
  • Communication skills and managing challenging conversations
  • Safeguarding awareness

Mentor training will be held from 12 pm on Saturday 1st March until 3 pm on Sunday 2nd March 2025.

Venue: Laches Wood Outdoor Education Centre, off Laches Ln, Slade Heath, Coven, Wolverhampton WV10 7PA.

Video of LOOK mentor Finlay. Finlay is sitting down in an office room environment wearing a blue t-shirt.

Mentor training is an excellent opportunity to make new connections within the VI community with your fellow volunteer Mentors, and discover how you can get involved with other LOOK opportunities.

LOOK Resources

Curious about the types of topics you might discuss with your mentee? Explore our ‘Ask a Mentor’ blog series for insights and examples. These blogs offer a glimpse into common questions, shared experiences, and valuable advice that mentors provide, covering everything from navigating university life to building confidence and independence.

Image of a LOOK mentee sitting at a table with a braille machine in front of him
How to find accessible revision materials
Image of a group of people sitting on chairs in a semicircle all looking towards the front where there is a screen and Look team member Elin is sat talking.
How do you cope with visual fatigue?
Image of a young girl sitting on her bed with a laptop in front of her and revision cards stuck to the wall behind her.
What Are Your Top Tips for Revising?

About LOOK

LOOK is an organisation that supports visually impaired young people to thrive.

Our flagship Mentor Project connects visually impaired young people aged 18-35 with younger VI individuals to share lived experiences and practical life tips. LOOK also offers a Parent Support Group for families affected by visual impairment, along with hosting various events, including LOOKFest—an all-age, VI-accessible festival where many LOOK Mentors volunteer.

For any questions related to being a LOOK Mentor, please send an email to info@look-uk.org