We are spreading our recruitment net far and wide on our national search to expand our mentoring network.
If you are Visually Impaired aged 18-35 years old and want the opportunity to use your lived experiences to support others then we need you!
No previous mentoring experience is required but an openness to listen, learn and use your experiences to provide constructive and positive support to a younger mentee is essential.
Our peer-mentoring service connects VI young people with a trained VI mentor to offer advice, support and guidance on subjects such as school, Further & Higher Education, careers, opportunities and independent living, based on the mentor’s own experiences.
Mentoring is a hugely rewarding role and a unique opportunity to give back to the VI community whilst developing valuable skills that can be transferred to the workplace.
But don’t take our word for it, LOOK’s very own Peer Mentoring Project Officer – Ruth is here to give you the low down on LOOK’s mentoring project, and why YOU should get involved!
Mentor Role Description
Experience has shown us that Visually Impaired young people are best supported by those that have personal experiences of living with a visual impairment.
As a mentor you will help inspire confidence in your mentee, taking an active role in offering advice, support and guidance on subjects such as school, Further & Higher Education, careers, opportunities and independent living.
Mentors are matched with a mentee based on their life experiences, eye condition, interests and ambitions which enables mentors to create a positive bond with their mentee.
Being a LOOK Mentor is a voluntary role, you are matched with a mentee for 12 months and are required to communicate with your mentee once a week.
LOOK Mentor Matt chats about what motivated him to become a LOOK mentor.
The mentor role can be hugely rewarding; you are a positive support for visually impaired young people, but we also boost your own self-development and confidence to take new steps whether that’s in the LOOK community or within the education and employment sector.
You’ll be part of our ever-expanding network of positive and supportive mentors, making new friends and enjoying new social opportunities.
Our mentor training results in fantastic transferable skills which are much valued by future employers.
LOOK Mentor Khadija talks you through what to expect from your training.
What we are looking for in a Mentor:
- Display excellent listening skills.
- Be a positive ambassador.
- Be a confident communicator (verbal and written).
- Be able to commit to communicating with your mentee once a week.
- Be open to sharing your personal experiences.
- Show a willingness to reflect on personal experience and engage in self-development.
- Be willing to learn and take advantage of training and development opportunities.
- Be open to the idea of being mentored.
- Be friendly, approachable and enthusiastic.
How to apply
The LOOK mentor training will take place at Gradbach Mill, Quarnford, Buxton on Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th February 2023, please ensure you are available for this date before applying.
All travel costs will be covered by LOOK and food will be provided during the training days.
The deadline for applications is 4 pm December 5th 2022.
Good Luck!
