Whether you’re passionate about music, science, or sports, or simply want to make a difference, this is your opportunity to give back to the blind and partially sighted community.
As a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to share your own experiences, offer valuable guidance, and make a real difference in the lives of VI young people who are navigating similar challenges.
We know that growing up with a visual impairment can lead to feelings of isolation. Talking through different situations with someone who ‘gets it’ and can offer honest, kind, and non-judgemental advice can be a lifeline.
By joining our team, you’ll not only support others in building confidence and gaining independence, but you’ll also develop new skills, connect with a community of like-minded people, and contribute to a cause that truly matters.
Take the first step towards making a lasting impact—apply today!
What is Peer Mentoring we hear you ask…
In this video mentor Chloe fills you in on what a LOOK mentor does.
Peer Mentoring is a six-month to twelve-month partnership that pairs mentees, aged between 11-29 years of age, with a mentor who has shared lived experiences. The mentor offers valuable guidance and practical advice on a range of important topics, including life hacks, self-advocacy skills, developing a strong sense of identity, and navigating friendships.
As a 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 Mentoring Project Officer, and mentor supervision sessions.
Who can be a mentor?
As mentor Pricilla highlights you don’t need prior experience to become a LOOK mentor, 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:
- 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 Jessie 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.
What impact does mentoring have?
“I enjoy learning from my mentee and building a connection and a bond.” LOOK, Mentor
LOOK mentor Sammy shares how becoming part of the LOOK mentoring family has impacted him.
How to apply to become a LOOK Peer 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 5th January 2026. 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.
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 2 pm on Friday, 13th February until 2 pm on Sunday, 15th February 2026.
Venue: Laches Wood Outdoor Education Centre, off Laches Ln, Slade Heath, Coven, Wolverhampton WV10 7PA.
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.
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