Across the weekend, mentors developed practical tools to support their mentoring journey, built meaningful connections with fellow mentors and gained a clearer understanding of the impact they can have within the LOOK community.

“The highlight of the weekend was being around people with lived experience. You never stop learning from one another or valuing that shared understanding. While the mentoring programme centres on our mentees, it really feels like we become a family as mentors too — supporting each other every step of the way.” LOOK Mentor

Team-Building Challenges

We started each day as a team, gathering around a hearty breakfast and sharing what the day ahead would look like.

Once energised, we moved onto team-building challenges that encouraged collaboration, communication and creative problem-solving. One activity saw the team working together to move a ball from the top of a stack of drainpipes to the bottom, this was definatly an exercise in patience and clear communication. Another had groups of four attaching a long piece of wood to their feet and attempting to walk forward together like a “human centipede,” learning first-hand the importance of synchronisation, trust, and supporting each other.

A group of young people standing in two rows either side of pieces of drain pipe, they are working together to get the ball from the top to the bottom of the pieces of pipe.
A group photos of four people standing on two long pieces of wood with string attached working together to walk together on the wooden planks. Its a sunny cold day with blue sky.

Workshops and Skill-Building

Throughout the weekend, mentors took part in workshops designed to deepen their understanding of LOOK and the mentoring programme. They explored who LOOK is, what we do, and why, gaining insight into the charity’s mission and the community we support. The group learned how the mentoring programme works, including the structure, processes, and approach that underpin effective mentoring. Mentors also reflected on their own roles and responsibilities, considering the importance of providing consistent, safe support to their mentees.

We introduced the social model of disability alongside PERMA theory, helping mentors develop strategies to support their mentees’ well-being and personal growth. Practical sessions on active listening, unconscious bias, and communication skills gave participants the tools to create open, honest dialogue and respond empathetically to the needs of their mentees. Through discussion, reflection, and scenario-based exercises, mentors practised applying these concepts to real-life situations, building confidence and preparing for their mentoring role.

Two rows of young adults leaning forward to talk to each other in their break out groups, everyone is listening to each other and smiling.
A line of young adults sitting down listening the mentor project officer Maria who is sitting in the middle of the group.
One of the new LOOK mentors sat down talking to mentor project manager Ruth, her back is to the camera.

Evenings were spent sharing delicious meals, followed by time to relax and bond as a group. Whether it was having a chat around the campfire, a competitive (and surprisingly intense!) quiz, or informal small-group discussions, these moments gave mentors the space to connect and reflect on the day’s experiences. We know that mentoring thrives when mentors feel supported, inspired, and part of a wider community, which is why these shared moments of fun and laughter are so important, forming the foundation of the mentoring community.

“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.” LOOK Mentor

Three young adults standing outside, on the ground in front of them is a path placed out in cones for a team building exercise where one team member talks the other through the maze of cones.
Group photo of six young adults standing in a row smiling for the camera, they are all wearing warm winter coats, one is holding their cane.
A group of young adults standing in a row holding drain pipes, they are working on a team building exercise to get a ball from the first person in the group to the last person using the piping.

Looking Ahead

By the end of the weekend, our 23 new mentors left not only with training completed, but with practical skills, confidence, and a deep understanding of how to support their younger mentees. Becoming a mentor through LOOK strengthens leadership, communication and self-awareness, but more importantly, it creates meaningful relationships that can have a lasting impact on the lives of young people navigating education, independence and future ambitions.

“I learned so much this weekend, met lots of new people and made some great friends. It was absolutely fantastic. I’m really looking forward to starting my mentoring journey and using the skills I’ve developed, not just in mentoring, but in other areas of my life too.” LOOK Mentor

Want to get involved? Whether you’re interested in becoming a mentor or supporting LOOK in other ways, there are lots of opportunities to make a difference. Visit LOOK Mentoring to learn more and take the first step in joining our community.

Video interview with LOOK Mentors Rhian, Carys and Patrick, sitting in a row of three chairs holding microphones.