The LOOK team is on the hunt for volunteer Mentors to join our Sussex Mentoring team.
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.
It’s a hugely rewarding role that requires valuable skills that are transferable to other roles, both voluntary and in employment. Many of our mentors believe the skills they have developed through mentoring have benefitted their CVs and job applications.
“I feel that being a mentor has made me a better communicator, and a more empathetic person.” Matt, Data privacy lawyer & LOOK mentor.
Mentor Role Description
LOOK Mentoring is all about utilising the lived experiences of VI people to enrich the lives of others.
As a mentor you will help inspire confidence in your mentee, we know that there is no-one better equipped to empower and inspire young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed, than you!
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.
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.
The LOOK Mentoring project is primarily facilitated through written communication via an online platform.
The mentor role is both a fantastic opportunity to give back to the VI community and become part of an ever expanding network of positive and supportive Mentors and of course our LOOK family!
“I started as a mentee, and was inspired to become a mentor because I know first hand how helpful having that mentor relationship can be, and am so grateful for the positive impact that my mentors have had on my life.” LOOK Mentor.
How to become a LOOK Mentor
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.
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
Or contact Sydney by email at: sydney@look-uk.org.
The LOOK mentor training will take place on Saturday the 12th November 2022 at Blatchington Court Trust, 6A Hove Park Villas, Hove BN3 6HW: please ensure you are available for these dates before applying.
The closing date for applications is 17:00 on Wednesday 9h November 2022.
Good Luck!
